Dogon Iron Equestrian Figure

Pared to essentials. A Dogon smith knew where to stop.

The horse is an arch of rod-like legs and back, with a long angled head. The rider sits upright, helmet-like head domed, face small and carefully modeled, arms reaching forward to hold the neck, which is ringed with incised bands. Horse and rider appear often in Dogon metalwork of Mali, where the mounted figure has long been associated with status and authority. This one was made in the early 20th century.

The surface is dark and crusty, with hints of green in the recesses. Just over four inches. It has the gravity of a small building.