For thousands of years, the horse has been a symbol of nobility and rank. In many ancient cultures, the ability to own and outfit a horse in time of war was a mark of aristocracy. This tradition carried through to the knights of the Middle Ages. To the early peoples of the Near East, the horse represented grace, power, speed, virility. This charming amulet represents a bridled horse's head. Perhaps it was meant to bless the wearer with the animal's virtues, or suggest social standing, or gain the protection of some horse-loving god. Though its past remains a mystery, its beauty and spirit are obvious.