Dogon Hair Pin Depicting Equestrian Figure, Based

Thin, wiry, balanced on a pin.

Dogon smiths worked iron into ornaments as well as tools, and the horseman, a sign of prestige, is a favored image in their work. This iron hair pin, made in Mali in the 20th century, is topped by a small horse and rider. Eight inches tall on its stand, it has a long shaft with stacked rings beneath an openwork lattice of rods and knobs. On top, the rider sits on a horse whose neck arches forward and whose head bows down, all rendered in thin, wiry forms.

The metal is smooth and dark.

Wear it, if you dare. Display it, if you do not.