Kotoko Bronze Equestrian Figure

The rein is a thin line running back from the horse’s curving neck to the rider’s hand. He holds the other arm upright, in a greeting or a warning.

Kotoko smiths in the region south of Lake Chad used the lost-wax method to cast small horsemen and other figures, often carried or worn as charms. This one was cast in the 20th century and measures just two inches long. The horse has a small head with a pointed ear. The rider wears a coiled, wrapped headdress. The square legs are sturdy and simple. The golden bronze is lightly pitted, with darker tones in the recesses.

Two inches of authority, and still warm to the eye.