Malian Equestrian Figure with Shield

A rider bent over a tall-legged animal, much longer in the leg than in the body

This equestrian figure with shield is Djenne, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze. The Oromo of Ethiopia made dark round shields from thick hide, often hippo or rhino, softened in water and pressed over wooden molds before drying very hard and durable. A small cast figure of a rider hunched over a lean animal with long straight legs and a pointed head. Spiral marks decorate the body and the shoulder. The surface is greenish brown with traces of green patina. It is 3.75 inches wide, 1 deep and 5 high.

Long legs and a determined passenger, who is clearly holding on.