Dogon Equestrian Figure, Mali, Based

Ancestors, wealth, leadership, and a horse to carry all three.

In Dogon art the rider on horseback appears often, and the horse carried associations of wealth, leadership and the arrival of ancestors. This one, made in Mali in the early 20th century, has real character. The rider sits tall with a beaked, bearded face, a ribbed armband on the upper arm and hands resting on the horse’s neck. That neck is wrapped in ribbed bands and fitted with a loop at the chest. The horse has a long, narrow head, straight legs on small feet and a tail that sweeps down to the ground.

Dark brown patina, rubbed lighter on the high points. Four inches tall.

Look for the beak.