Dogon Hairpin Depicting Equestrian Figure, Based

A hairpin with a horseman on it. In Dogon country, the rider signals status and power.

This bronze pin, made by the Dogon of Mali in the 20th century, rises from a slender shaft with a knobbed collar to a crossbar curving out into two hooked horns, which form the horse’s body. A small upright rider sits at the center. Dogon metalworkers produced pins, rings and other personal ornaments, and the horseman appears often in their work.

The surface is crusted with russet and darker deposits. Mounted on a black stand, nearly eight inches tall. Hair, once, was held in place by an idea like this.