Kotoko Bronze Equestrian Figure

A rider, a tall ringed headdress, and a horse with an arched neck.

The Kotoko of Chad cast small figures by the lost-wax method, and riders on horseback are an especially familiar subject. This bronze is from the 19th century and stands just two inches tall. The rider sits upright, one arm extended along the horse’s neck.

A ribbed saddle cloth or harness wraps the horse’s body, and its four legs taper to sharp points. The surface is a deep dark brown, rubbed to bright brassy highlights on the high points by long handling.

Small, quick, and entirely sure of the road.