Kotoko Bronze Equestrian Figure

Riders, one with a spiral shield,, one with a spiral shield, balance on very pointy legs.

This equestrian figure from the Kotoko peoples is Kotoko, from Chad, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze & alloy. Horse and rider figures in the Sahel often relate to ideas of rank and leadership, since horses were historically costly and associated with chiefs and warriors. Horse in cast form with long tapered legs and a curled neck, carrying two figures in ribbed pointed caps. The front rider holds a round shield marked with a spiral. The surface is golden brown with darker crevices and worn highlights. It is 3 inches wide, 1 deep and 3.5 high.

Jaunty, mounted and entirely pleased with itself.