Mali, Bankoni culture (“proto-Bamana”)
A horseman with four attendants
Late 14th­early 15th century
Terracotta
70 x 48.5 x 21 cm
Ada Turnbull Hertle Fund, 1987.314.1-5

In medieval Africa, horses were symbols of masculine power and only rulers or wealthy men owned them.

The five male figures are made of terracotta (clay fired at low heat). They are stylized, upright forms, and one figure is mounted on a horse. These sculptures probably were used in ceremonies, perhaps similar to initiations into secret male societies today.