Kotoko Bronze Equestrian Figure

Hands-to-face horseman who seems lost in thought mid-gallop

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. Ridged girth, tapered legs, and warm brown tones with some green in the recesses. A slim figure in a grooved, tapering cap holds its hands near the mouth, seated above a horse with a rolled, spiral neck. A twisted rein loops beneath. It is 3 inches wide, 0.75 deep and 3 high.

Pondering the meaning of horses, one assumes.