Malian Equestrian Figure with Sheild

Shield with spirals leaning against a horse that is mostly a curve.

This bronze equestrian figure with a shield is Djenne /Lere, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Small bronze horsemen from the Djenne and Lere areas of Mali often carry weapons or a shield, which are generally read as signs of a warrior. Big round disc patterned in tight concentric rings hides most of the small rider seated behind it. The horse has a hooked head and thin, widely splayed legs. Warm reddish brown surface with darker edges. It is 1.5 inches wide, 0.5 deep and 5.25 high.

Bold geometry, quietly doing the heavy lifting.