Dogon Bronze Equestrian Figure

The horse has a tail like a whip and a rider who sits very, very upright.

This equestrian figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the early 20th century. It is bronze. Mounted figures are a well-known Dogon theme, usually understood as emblems of rank, since horses were costly and associated with power. The horse strides on four thin legs, head bowed and bridled, its chest covered in incised trappings. A round saddle pad hangs at the flank. The rider holds the reins close, with a crested head and long beaked face. The dark surface shows a warm brown underneath. It is 5 inches wide and 5.75 high.

The horse is doing the work, and the rider is doing the posture.