Dogon Iron Equestrian Figure

Spindly little animal on stiff legs carries a rider who sits very upright.

This Dogon equestrian figure in iron is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the early 20th century. Dogon communities of the Bandiagara region of Mali are known for sculpture in wood and metal, and the horse and rider is a recurring subject in their art. From the front, a small cast group in dark green-grey tone showing a four-legged animal with long angular legs and a drooping head. A slender rider sits upright on its back, with a small container-like shape beside the saddle. It is 1 inches wide, 3.5 deep and 3.5 high.

Wobbly proportions, sure-footed attitude, and a rider who commits.