Djenne EXCAVATED Equestrian Figure

Out of the earth, and out of the 9th or 10th century. Excavated, and still riding.

This bronze horseman is of the Djenne people of Mali, dating to between 800 and 1000 CE. The inland Niger Delta around the ancient city of Djenne was home to a long tradition of metalworking and terra cotta, and small cast figures like this have been recovered from the region’s early settlements. Just over two inches tall, the horse is a slender arc of neck, a narrow body, four long, splayed legs, tail flaring. The rider sits upright with an oval head, both long arms reaching toward the horse’s neck. The patina is soft green-brown with pale green encrustation.

A long time in the ground. It does not seem to hold a grudge.