Dogon Iron Equestrian Figure

Rider perches high on a knobby, long-legged mount with a head like a question mark.

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. Taken in full, a small cast group in dark brown tone. A tall, narrow rider with a flat-topped head sits atop a lumpy four-legged animal. The mount has stiff, bent legs, a long arched neck and rough, bumpy surfaces. It is 4.25 inches wide, 1 deep and 5.75 high.

Rickety proportions, serene posture, and total faith in the horse.