Dogon Iron Equestrian Figure

Turbaned-looking rider sits straight on a horse with a curled tail.

This iron equestrian figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Horse and rider figures are a recurring subject in the art of Mali, and a mounted figure is often taken to suggest status or leadership. Cast horse with a long, flat body, rod legs on small round feet and a curved tail. The rider has a tall, pointed headdress and holds reins. A pale crusty patina clings to the horse's chest and the dark metal. It is 3.5 inches wide, 1 deep and 4 high.

Upright, composed and just slightly crusty.