Kotoko Bronze Equestrian Figure

Stilt-like legs carry a horse of improbable elegance and a straight-backed rider

This equestrian figure is Kotoko, from Chad, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze. The Kotoko peoples of the Lake Chad basin are known for small cast metal figures, and horse and rider subjects are among the forms associated with the region. Warm golden-brown finish with a green tint. A slim figure with a pointed head sits well back on a tall horse, one arm reaching toward a braided rein. The long legs end in thin points that nearly touch. It is 2 inches wide, 0.75 deep and 2.5 high.

Built like a coat rack and carrying itself like a duchess.