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Equestrian

18th–19th century (?)

Not on view

Figures of august, bearded elders balanced on steeds represent individuals of high social standing and influence in Dogon society. They have been identified with the hogon, the chief peacekeeper and supreme religious and political figure in Dogon society. Descended from the founding ancestor Dyon, the hogon is charged with maintaining human order through the resolution of legal disputes and overseeing the rites of agriculture and renewal.

Equestrian, Wood, Dogon peoples — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Equestrian, Wood, Dogon peoples

Equestrian, Wood, Dogon peoples

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Equestrian

Date: 18th–19th century (?)

Geography: Mali

Culture: Dogon peoples

Medium: Wood

Dimensions: H. 22 1/8 × W. (approx.) 11 × D. (approx.) 7 in. (56.2 × 27.9 × 17.8 cm)

Classification: Wood-Sculpture

Credit Line: Collection of James J. and Laura Ross, New York

The Met

The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at The Met

The Met's collection of art of the peoples of sub-Saharan Africa, the Pacific Islands, and North, Central, and South America comprises more than eleven thousand works of art of varied materials and types, representing diverse cultural traditions from as early as 3000 B.C.E. to the present.