Dogon Iron Equestrian Figure

One hand raised. Whatever he is about to say, the horse has heard it before.

Horse and rider is among the most enduring images in Dogon art, associated with prestige, leadership and the figures of myth and history. This small iron rider, made in Mali in the early 20th century, is only four inches tall. He sits upright, his head elongated, his features boldly modeled. The horse stands on four stiff legs with a long, curving tail, its head arched downward and its reins rendered as a twisted cord looping back toward the rider.

A mottled verdigris green covers the dark metal, worn back to a warm sheen at the high points.