YORUBA HORSEMAN

Yoruba equestrian figure. Male figure on horseback, with braid, disc beard and spear.

These horsemen figures were often kept in shrines  or displayed on special occasions. This figure is robed in the style of an esho – the rank exclusively assigned to the most senior man in the military grade of the now-defunct Oyo empire. The esho was also known as Are ona Kakanfo; a title given to the bravest warrior reputed for leading military expeditions in ancient times. 

Equestrian figures are symbols of power in ancient yoruba society, where ownership of horses was long restricted to warriors and political leaders.

Condition

Significant wood loss around the right side. Rich, dark encrusted patina. Evidence of old, local repair to the left side of the head and right elbow. Deep but stable split.