Djenne Bronze Figure of a Quadruped

Djenne, 11th century. The Inland Niger Delta supported one of West Africa’s earliest urban centers, famed for terracotta sculpture, and home as well to skilled metalworkers.

This is the metalworkers’ side of the story. A cast bronze quadruped, attributed to the Djenne people, horse-like, about thirteen inches tall on four long, tapering legs. The neck is held high and banded with collar-like rings. The head ends in a narrow muzzle beneath a pointed crest. A curled tail loops over the hindquarters, and the back carries a saddle-like panel of spirals and raised cordwork. Rich green patina, earthy brown at the edges, covers every surface.

Nine hundred years of standing very still.