Height 9 in., Width 4.25 in., Depth 3.5 in. Weight 1 lb. 5.1 oz. This lost-wax cast bronze equestrian figure is worked in the metalsmithing tradition of the Dogon peoples of Mali, West Africa, depicting a schematic rider mounted on an abstract horse form raised on a turned pedestal base fitted with suspension bells and supported on splayed legs. While both the Dogon of West Africa and the Dhokra craftsmen of Central India employ the ancient lost-wax casting method, Dogon bronzes are distinguished by their highly schematic geometric figural language, open rectangular body forms and strong vertical composition, in contrast to the rounder more naturalistic forms and decorative surface patterning characteristic of Indian Dhokra work. The rider is rendered in the characteristic Dogon manner with a pointed head and extended arms, representing the Hogon -- the supreme spiritual and political leader of Dogon society -- or a mythological emissary of divine status, the horse being associated in Dogon cosmology with the descent of the ancestral Nommo spirits to earth. The pedestal column is banded with incised line decoration and fitted with pendant bells at the base, elements associated with ritual and ceremonial use, the surface carrying a rich natural patina of deep brown and green verdigris tones consistent with authentic period castings from the Mali region. Condition is very good with no repairs or losses visible and all bells remaining intact.