Kotoko Iron Equestrian Figure

Two riders on one horse, and one of them is very small.

This equestrian figure is Kotoko, from Chad, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Kotoko metal figures often show horsemen, a form generally tied to leadership and status. The gleaming horse stands on four straight legs with a long, narrow head and a ridged mane. A larger rider sits upright at center, a smaller figure behind it, and a patterned saddle cloth is incised across the back. The surface is golden and worn, with traces of dark patina in the recesses. It is 5 inches wide and 4 high.

A family outing at a very decided pace.