Dogon Iron Equestrian Figure, Based

Rider upright, neck long, one arm drawn down as though holding the reins.

In Dogon art the mounted figure recurs, and horses were long associated with prestige and leadership. This one is bronze, cast in Mali in the early 20th century. The horse stands squarely on four short legs, head forward, ears alert, a bridle and incised mane along the neck, a long tail curving to the ground. The dark brown patina has been rubbed lighter on the high points. About four inches tall, on a black rectangular base.

A small leader. He seems to have somewhere to be.