Kotoko Bronze Equestrian Figure

Cracked, crusted and quietly proud of it.

This equestrian figure comes from the Kotoko of Chad, Central Africa, and was made in the 20th century of bronze and leather. Kotoko horsemen are generally thought of as symbols of rank and martial prowess. The reverse shown here is a ragged, leathery panel with a mottled brown and black crust, pale fibres escaping along the left edge, and an uneven outline. Small pale feet at the base and a pale knob at the top give it a stance of sorts. The surface looks dry and long handled.

About four inches tall and five wide. An archaeological shrug of an object, best displayed on a plain shelf.