022 - Iron petal

THE IRON PETAL was a plate applied to the hoof of the horse with the help of special nails (“petalo- karfa”), in order to protect the animal from injury. All animals needed shoeing, as the petals were worn out from walking on the rugged mountain trails of Mani. They were made in specific molds and placed by specialized craftsmen, called “kalligotides” or “albanides”. The locals used to hang old petals like this with leather laces onto walls or doors, because it was believed that this would bring them good luck and would keep the evil away.

Donor: Pavlos Michalakakos