Senufo Forged Iron Equestrian Figure

Forged, not cast. You can tell by the way he holds himself.

Among the Senufo, smiths formed a respected group, and small figures of riders spoke of strength and standing. This one is forged iron, made in Ivory Coast in the 20th century. The rider sits upright and lifts one hand to his long face, a slender rod held up toward the mouth, while the other arm rests across the body. His head is elongated, with a pointed crest and round eyes.

The horse is compact and lively, the neck marked with short incised lines for the mane, a small knob on top of the head, the tail curving down.

The patina is smooth and dark. About four and a half inches.