Kotoko Bronze Equestrian Figure

Dark and gritty, this rider leans in with a ball-topped staff.

This equestrian figure in cast bronze is Kotoko, from Chad, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. The Kotoko peoples of the Lake Chad basin are known for small cast metal figures, and horse and rider subjects are among the forms associated with the region. Mount with a heavy, muddy-brown surface, splayed legs and a head curled sharply down. A rope-like cord trails from the neck to a knotted end, while the rider wears a ribbed cap and holds a rod. It is 3 inches wide, 0.75 deep and 3 high.

Rough texture and a very determined lean.