Dogon Bronze Equestrian Figure

Lanky horse in pale green patina carries a rider who sits remarkably straight.

This Dogon equestrian figure in bronze is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Horse and rider figures appear in several West African traditions, where the mounted figure is generally associated with status, leadership or power. Tall, thin-legged horse with a long arched neck and a saddle marked by concentric rings, ridden by an upright figure with a pointed head. Legs end in small round feet, and a soft green crust covers the golden surface. It is 4 inches wide, 0.75 deep and 3.5 high.

All legs and dignity, with a straight back.