Kotoko Brass Equestrian Figure

Rope-bridled horse and a tall capped rider lean at charming angles.

This equestrian figure from the Kotoko peoples is Kotoko, from Chad, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is brass. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and small figures from the Lake Chad region are generally cast by the lost-wax method with a clay mold. Narrow horse in cast form with a twisted rope design along the neck and legs standing straight and thin. The rider is shown in a tall conical hat, tilted back. The surface is dark and smooth with warmer patches along the ridges. It is 2 inches wide, 1 deep and 2 high.

A very economical horse, and still a lot of attitude.