A horseman with a shield and lance.

The horse and rider are taking part in one of the many equestrian festivals held in the Sahel region. Here is an example from Burkina Faso, where the horse is elaborately adorned. Its neck, chest and forelegs are hung with ornaments made from various materials.

Round appliqués harmonise with the shield. The semi-circular decoration above the head, featuring balls that may be designed to rattle, is particularly striking. The bridle consists solely of ropes and the horse is ridden without a saddle.

The rider, with a goatee, wears a simple cap, likely reinforced to serve as a helmet, and is adorned around the neck and hips with the same cords used for the bridle. The elongated, oversized face is a stylistic feature typical of this region of the Sahel. The mouth and eyes are strongly emphasised.

The sculpture has a beautifully matured patina of age. As the horse is open at the lower abdomen, samples for age dating could be taken from there. Remnants of the casting core were also found in the rider’s crotch and in the grooves of the hat.

A rare and valuable, wonderfully crafted equestrian figure from the 18th century.