Dogon Hair Pin with Equestrian

A pin for the hair, and a rider on top to supervise.

Dogon smiths of Mali made such pins as personal adornment, and the image of the rider, closely bound up with status, recurs throughout their work. This one is forged iron, made in the 20th century, seven and a half inches tall on its stand. A long tapering shaft thickens beneath a set of stacked rings. Above sits the compact horse and rider, the rider’s round head and narrow face seen from the front.

The surface is dark with a mellow brown sheen where it has been touched.

Status, at a modest height.