Malian Bronze Equestrian Figure

The rider has no horse sense at all, only a very long neck and an upright posture.

This equestrian figure is Djenne, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze. Horse and rider figures from Mali are generally read as emblems of rank and wealth, since horses were costly in the region. The horse stands on four stubby legs, with a long muzzle and small ears. The rider arches up from the back, a tall curved form with a peaked head and one hooked arm, one leg wrapped under the belly. The surface is dark and flecked with silver. It is 3 inches wide, 2 deep and 4 high.

Sleek, spare, and plainly in a hurry.