Kotoko Figure of 'Medicine' Horse

South of Lake Chad, the Kotoko cast small brass figures, many of them meant to protect.

This ‘medicine’ horse was made in the 20th century. The neck arches strongly to a curled head, and the tail sweeps up behind. The legs taper to points. On the back sits a cluster of small, rounded forms, and the neck and body are wrapped in fine coiled wire.

The brass is brown, with green traces in the recesses. Three inches long.

It has the energy of a toy and the intentions of something much older.