Dogon Iron Equestrian Figure

Rider with a long face and a twisted rein looks ahead like a lance.

This iron equestrian figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Iron is a strong metal that takes a dark, matte surface, and small figures made of it often keep a rough, hand-worked outline. Cast figure on a tall horse with a stiff neck and a head held high. A twisted rope-like rein loops to the rider's hand, and the rider's leg hangs below the belly. White mineral flecks speckle the dark metal. It is 2.75 inches wide, 2 deep and 4.25 high.

Thin figures, strong silhouette, and unmistakable poise.