Large Horseman

A highly important depiction of a naked bearded horseman, depicting a Hogon high priest and clan leader. His right elbow is bent, the hand holding his shoulder in a gesture associated with allegiance; the horseman's left hand holds the reins near the neck. The horse is well modeled, the neck elegantly arched, the ears erect. The horseman has an elongated face, prominent features, a bald head and a large penis. This sculpture is of the type commonly referred to as N'duleri. Horses occur in Dogon myths about the creation of the world. Dogon sculptures of horses and riders tell of the prestige and power linked to ownership of an animal that has been associated with royalty since horses were introduced to the region more than a thousand years ago. Old weathered wood with some loss, fragmentation in parts and original darkened surface patina.
Height: 42.75 inches (108.6 cm.)

DG015

Related examples of large-sized horsemen are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Ht: 69 cm.), the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (Ht: 73 cm.), and in the Frum Collection in Toronto (Ht: 56.5 cm.).