Malian Iron Equestrian Figure

Rider and a child-sized passenger share one cheerful, lumpy horse.

This iron equestrian figure is from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 19th century. The horse was an important symbol of wealth and military strength in the Sahel and West African savanna, and riders appear often in its art. Tall rider with a pointed head, holding a small figure against the chest. The horse has a rounded snout, curved legs and a tail curling down to a flat oval base. Honey brown surface with dark recesses. It is 3 inches wide, 1 deep and 5 high.

Everyone on board is smaller than expected, including the horse.