Equestrian figure
Works in metal in a wealth of bronzes in a variety of styles and types are found throughout the southern half of Nigeria, especially along the lower part of the Niger River. The numerous "Lower Niger bronzes" discovered in Benin at the end of the nineteenth century that were long considered to be of local origin are now thought to come from a number of locations and time periods; some are from the Igbo-Igala area, but most were made in centers influenced by Yoruba and Benin art. Scientific dating of the clay cores in several of these sculptures revealed that a few were made as early as the fourteenth century. Some must, therefore, be contemporary with the naturalistic bronzes of Ife and may be provincial reflections of Ife style.
Artwork Details
- Title: Equestrian figure
- Artist: Lower Niger Valley caster
- Date: 15th–19th century
- Geography: Nigeria, Lower Niger River region
- Culture: Lower Niger Bronze Industry
- Medium: Coppy alloy
- Dimensions: H. 10 1/8 in. × W. 5 3/8 in. × D. 11 in. (25.7 × 13.7 × 27.9 cm)
- Classification: Metal-Sculpture
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
- Object Number: 1979.206.314
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Lower Niger Valley caster
15th–19th century
Lower Niger Valley caster
15th–19th century
Lower Niger Valley caster
16th century
Lower Niger Valley caster
1455–1640
Lower Niger Valley caster
15th–19th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.