Cameroonian Bronze Equestrian Figure

Two enormous rounded haunches and a tiny rider make this the plumpest cavalry imaginable.

This cast bronze equestrian figure from Cameroon is from Cameroon, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Cast bronze figures are generally made by the lost-wax method, in which a wax model is covered in clay, melted away and replaced by metal. Plainly, a small round-headed figure sits atop two bulbous, smooth masses with a long horizontal snout and a twisted rope-like bridle. The golden surface is polished in places and dusted with green and reddish traces. It is 2 inches wide, 0.5 deep and 1.5 high.

Built for comfort, not speed, and perfectly honest about it.