Malian Bronze Equestrian Figure

The rider holds a shield nearly as wide as the horse is tall.

This equestrian figure is from Segou, Mali, West Africa, and dates to the early 20th century. It is bronze. Horsemen appear often in cast figures from Mali and are generally read as signs of rank and warfare. The horse arches its neck, with a bridle line at the muzzle and a short mane. A round disc, ringed with incised circles, stands in front of the rider's peaked head, and two curved loops hold the saddle at front and back. The dark patina is smooth. It is 1.5 inches wide, 3.75 deep and 3.5 high.

A small cavalry with a large shield.