The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c10.468

v1.c10.468

²³⁶ The following is Mr. Layard’s description of the earliest Assyrian harness : “Round the necks of the horses were hung tassels, rosettes, and engraved beads. Three straps, richly embroidered, passing under the forepart of the belly, kept the harness and chariot pole in their places. A breast-band, adorned with tassels, was also supported by these straps. To the yoke was suspended a very elegant ornament, formed by the head of an animal, and a circle, in which was sometimes introduced a winged bull, a star, or some other sacred device. It fell on the shoulder of the animal, and to it was attached three clusters of tassels. Embroidered cloths, or trappings were frequently thrown over the backs of the chariot-horses, and almost covered the body from the ears to the tail. They were kept in their place by straps passing round the breast, the rump, and the belly”. Layard’s *Nineveh*, II. 354.