EIGHTEENTH CENTURY COWBOY SADDLE
The colonial Mexican cowboy saddle on display in this museum is an impressive relic from the late 18th century, originally from the area of Guamúchil, Sinaloa. This remarkable artifact was essential for the horsemen of the region, providing invaluable defense against thorns, especially the dreaded Huizache.
The chair's design features exquisite craftsmanship, with a slender, tall shaft lined with delicate leather. Its tile, which gives it a distinctive personality, rises gracefully. The chair is accompanied by a rectangular cover, adorned with canteens on the front and a meticulously chiseled trapezoidal top.
One of the most outstanding elements of this piece are the wooden stirrups, fitted with smooth leather covers. These not only provided comfort for the rider, but also offered an additional layer of protection against the thorns and thistles of the terrain.
The iconic "Water Guns," finely chiseled into the action opening, evoke times past, harkening back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Back then, when the fields were open and the weather unpredictable, these weapons were mounted on the shoulders of the saddle shaft, providing an effective barrier against inclement weather. The straps extending from the back to the waist, similar to chaps, completed this defense, protecting the lower legs and ensuring that the saddle remained protected from the rain.
This cowboy saddle, more than a historical relic, continues to be an essential tool for horsemen in the Guamúchil, Sinaloa area. Its ingenious design and attention to detail in its construction make it a living testament to the craftsmanship and adaptive engineering of its time.