Kotoko Bronze Equestrian Figure

A flat slab of dark leather with four small brass studs at its corners.

This equestrian figure is Kotoko, from Chad, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is cast bronze and leather. The Kotoko, who live in the Lake Chad basin, are known for small horse and rider figures, which are generally linked to protection. A leather covering wraps the whole form, stitched at the edges and worn to a soft brown in the center. Brass shows at the rider's head and at the feet. It is 2.75 inches wide, 1 deep and 3 high.

The rider is in there somewhere, wrapped for the journey.