Shrine figure, Abron; Ghana;
Cast brass; H. 6 1/4"
This equestrian figurine, utilized
by the Abron people of the Ivory Coast and Ghana,
served as a shrine object to venerate deceased ancestors
or propitiate spirits. In general, equestrian figures
among the Abron and their neighbors convey a sense
of power and prestige and refer to conquering heroes
of the past who brought ordered community life.
This figurine's dazzling complexity, from elaborate
accoutrements to the highly complex curls of its
beard, is clearly the work of a master of lost wax
casting.
