Horses were introduced to the African continent via Egypt during the second millennium BCE and documented in Yoruba territory by the tenth century CE. Based on their contribution to warfare, they became symbols of prestige, wealth, and power. This small sculpture of an elesin (horse owner) was likely made in the Owo region, known for its fine ivory carvings dating to the sixteenth to eighteenth century. Later equestrian figures depict the rider seated on a saddle with feet in stirrups, reflecting local practice. This impressive horseman exhibits the Yoruba stylistic conventions of rounded forms and bulging eyes; the notched lids probably represent eyelashes. In addition, he wears a tailed cap and holds a flywhisk (symbol of authority) on his right shoulder.
Yoruba equestrian figures served many purposes: as supports for divination bowls, as superstructures on staffs or massive Epa masks, or as freestanding figures dedicated to various deities. Small equestrian figurines carved from precious ivory could be used as part of the divining paraphernalia in rituals centered on Shango, god of thunder and lightning, or installed on shrines devoted to the god, who was believed to be a deified king, fierce general, and master horseman.
Provenance: Anonymous seller, 1987; Nelly Van den Abbeele, Brussels, Belgium (1987−2003); sold [Sotheby’s, London, 29–30 June 1987, lot 304]. Sold [Entwistle Gallery, London and Paris] to; Roma S Nooter Trust for Robert Nooter, 2006 to; Nancy Ingram Nooter (30 November 1927–4 February 2020) and Robert Harry Nooter (14 July 1926–3 September 2022), Washington, D.C., gifted 2022 to; LACMA.