Kotoko Bronze Equestrian Figure

Two inches. A horse, a rider, and a whole river country behind them.

The Kotoko of Chad live along the Logone and Chari rivers and are known for small lost-wax castings. Horsemen are among their favorite subjects. This bronze, made in the 20th century, shows the horse with a long arching neck that curls forward into a scrolled head, a ridged collar at the chest, four sharply tapered legs.

The rider sits upright and compact, head ribbed, arms rounded against the body. A warm brown patina, rubbed bright on the high points, shows years of handling.

Small enough to pocket. Dignified enough not to.