Cameroonian Bronze Equestrian Figure

Behold a balloon-bodied beast with a curled snout carries a rider who holds on for dear life.

This cast bronze equestrian figure from Cameroon is from Cameroon, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, and it is valued in casting because it flows well when molten and holds fine detail. Altogether, the body is two heavy, rounded lobes with a lumpy surface, topped by a small domed head and a coiled trunk-like muzzle. A thin braided line runs along the neck, and the warm gold tone is worn smooth on the high points. It is 2 inches wide, 0.5 deep and 1.5 high.

Proof that anatomy is optional when personality is included.