Malian Equestrian Figure Carrying Shield

Spiral shield nearly bigger than the rider holding it.

This bronze equestrian figure carrying a shield is Djenne, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Cast bronze figures from Mali's Djenne area are usually produced by the lost-wax process, with fine details modeled in wax before casting. Tall, hooked horse neck rises over a boxy frame of thin, long legs. The knob-headed rider carries a large disc incised with concentric spirals. Surface is dark brown with patches of reddish and green tone. It is 2 inches wide, 0.25 deep and 2.25 high.

All that defense, and still no reins.