Lobi Bronze Equestrian Figure

Two and a quarter inches of horse and rider, drawn in a few strokes.

The Lobi of Burkina Faso cast miniature figures, kept on household shrines or carried as personal charms. This bronze, from the 20th century, has a horse reduced to four stilt-like legs, a level back, a gently lifted tail and a long, upturned muzzle. The rider is equally pared down, with a rounded head and one arm sweeping forward in a continuous curve along the horse’s neck, the other hanging at his side.

The patina is dark and slightly granular.

A quick sketch, kept in metal.