Kotoko Bronze Equestrian Figure

The horseman holds the rein close to his chest. Behind him, a robe drapes over the horse’s back.

The Kotoko of the Lake Chad basin are known for lost-wax casting, and riders on horseback are among their most familiar subjects. This bronze rider, cast in the 20th century in Chad, wears a tall headdress of stacked rings. The horse’s head curls back toward its neck in a tight spiral. Four long legs taper toward the ground. The whole figure stands just over three inches tall.

The surface is worn to a bright golden tone on the high points, with darker recesses beside. A very small cavalry. Very confident.