Antique Hand-Carved Wooden Carousel Horse Head

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A Carousel horse head, probably from India. 18-19th century. Inspiration for the merry-go-rounds we know today came from 12th-century Asia … Read more A Carousel horse head, probably from India. 18-19th century. Inspiration for the merry-go-rounds we know today came from 12th-century Asia and Europe. Horsemen would play jousting competitions, using the same concept from centuries before. It was a way for them to practice their cavalry riding skills for combat training. Initially, they would ride atop horses in a circle, and the goal was to knock off the man’s hat who was holding a stick. It prepared and made them stronger for war. Turkish and Arabian warriors would also throw breakable clay balls of perfume at their opponents while riding on the poles in a circle. Whoever was hit would lose and reek of perfume until they were able to wash. Both the jousting and ball-tossing competitions were called “the little battle.”
The word "carousel" comes from the Spanish translation, “carosella." See less