Senufo Bronze Equestrian Figure

A rider with a spear, a horse that is more reptile than horse, and a little friend beneath.

Senufo metalworkers of the Ivory Coast, West Africa, cast this equestrian figure in bronze in the 20th century. Rider figures are commonly associated with status and authority, and Senufo brasswork is often small in scale and rich in incident. A rider sits with a tall spear upright in front of him. The mount has a long, open-mouthed head and a rope-like line trailing back, with a small creature perched on the body. The bronze is golden with dark patina.

About three and a half inches tall. A cavalry charge with surprises.