Kotoko Figure Astride Mythological Bird

Two riders, one bird, and the bird is not from this world.

The Kotoko of Chad made lively miniature castings of riders and creatures by the lost-wax process, often worn or kept as personal objects. In this 20th-century bronze, two upright figures ride the long back of a fantastic bird. Their necks and heads are ringed with fine banding, and one has a spiral-patterned body. The bird’s curving neck ends in a beaked, hooked head. It rests on short rounded feet.

The high points are polished to a bright gold, the recesses dark brown and green. Under three inches long. Do not ask where they are headed.