Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust through the George H. and Elizabeth O. Davis Fund and the generosity of Shirley and Barnett Helzberg, 2000.31
This sculpture was probably made to commemorate an important man from the city of Djenne in Mali, West Africa. He is shown bearded, in the prime of life, gazing skyward, armed and on horseback. His richly ornamented horse demonstrates the prestige the Djenne people attached to owning horses, which were imported from Northern Africa at great expense and were critical to the city’s military leadership and success.]
The woven horse’s bridle is amazing in its specificity and execution, and must be a treat for those studying historic West African textiles for weaving / knotting patterns.
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https://art.nelson-atkins.org/objects/27924/horse-and-rider
[display description](https://i.postimg.cc/66FWgphs/20221112-160044.jpg)
[Horse and Rider
Mali, Mande culture (Djenne region)
1100s-1500s
Terracotta and pigment
Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust through the George H. and Elizabeth O. Davis Fund and the generosity of Shirley and Barnett Helzberg, 2000.31
This sculpture was probably made to commemorate an important man from the city of Djenne in Mali, West Africa. He is shown bearded, in the prime of life, gazing skyward, armed and on horseback. His richly ornamented horse demonstrates the prestige the Djenne people attached to owning horses, which were imported from Northern Africa at great expense and were critical to the city’s military leadership and success.]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djenn%C3%A9-Djenno
The woven horse’s bridle is amazing in its specificity and execution, and must be a treat for those studying historic West African textiles for weaving / knotting patterns.