Dogon Pendant Depicting a Horse

A horse, reduced to its barest lines, with a loop on top for hanging.

Dogon metalworkers of Mali, West Africa, forged this pendant depicting a horse in iron in the 20th century. Horses are widely associated with prestige and warriors across the region, and small metal pendants were often worn or kept as charms. Two long, bent legs reach down on each side of a straight bar, and a small ring crowns the center. The iron is dark brown with rusty spots and a faintly rough finish.

About three inches wide. Minimal enough to pass for modern art.