African Art

Horse and Rider, probably 17th-18th century
Wood
Unknown Yoruba artist
Nigeria
Purchased with funds from the Alice Speed Stoll Accessions Trust 2003.15

Ever vigilant and alert, this mounted warrior raises a spear or lance with his right hand and wears a small sword or dagger on his hip. As a respected, integral part of Yoruba society, warriors appear frequently in art. They embody Yoruba ideals such as power, restraint, courage, and composure.

Horses were not native to Africa, but by the 1600s they were used by the military, probably having been introduced as a trade good from the north. The cavalry vitalized armies and helped establish powerful political empires in Yorubaland during a period riddled with civil wars.