Title
Preview
Description
Equestrian Figure
22" high x 15 1/2 " long
Circa 19th Century
Benin, Nigeria, West Africa
Bronze
A figure mounted on horseback wearing elaborate headgear. Both hands of the rider hold the reins and his feet are planted in the stirrups. The horse is wearing a bridle, its head well-groomed and ears erect. The horse's sturdy legs emerge from a rectangular-shaped base with interlaced motif. Since horses were rare and expensive in West Africa, they were often owned by the leaders and powerful members of society.
Keywords
equestrian figure, African sculpture, African artifacts, Benin kingdom, Benin, Nigeria, West Africa