Dogon Bronze Equestrian Figure

Mid-century, and still the horse is a symbol of prestige. Among the Dogon, it has long been so.

Specialist smiths cast mounted riders using the lost-wax method, and this one comes from Mali, bronze, mid-20th century. Six and three-quarter inches tall, the rider raises one hand to his head while the other arm reaches forward to the horse’s head. The head rises as a crested blade above a ridged collar. The horse stands on four long, straight legs, with a curved tail and small punched circles on its body. A bright green verdigris patina covers nearly all of it.

Green, upright and dignified. A fine rider on a fine day.