Dogon Iron Equestrian Figure

A horse with a thin neck and thick legs carries two riders and one snake.

This equestrian figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is iron. Horsemen appear throughout Dogon metalwork, usually associated with leadership and prestige. Two riders sit close together on a horse of slender, rod-like limbs, each with a long face and a raised hairstyle. A coiled serpent winds down from the front rider's hands to hang at the horse's side. The horse's head is lifted, with ears pricked and a curling tail behind. It is 4 inches wide and 4 high.

A tight squeeze, ridden with confidence.