A common theme of ancestral figure
among the Dogon is the Equestrian. Some of these found date from the 10th to 13th
century (Sieber and Walker 1987, p133). Chronicles of Muslim travelers throughout the
Sahara and Sahel tell of the existence of the horse in Mali's ancient empires. From the
middle of the eleventh century, royalty displayed its authority, and kingdoms flourished
their military might aided by the equestrian prowess (Rachel Hoffman in Africa
1996, p.164). While the Dogon are not a great military today, their equestrian figures
remain a sign of privilege and power. Figures of the 18th century to date look
strikingly similar to the earlier models as well as the terra cottas from Djenne. He wears
a cap strapped to the chin a garment with rosette in relief on each hip (Sieber &
Walker 1987, p.133). His beard indicates that he has earned the respected elder status,
scarification marks suggest an affiliation into a particular social group. The jewelry
adorning his neck, arms, and ankles--also on the legs of the horse--denotes personal
achievement and wealth (Hoffman).
Speculation is that the mounted
figure may be explained in the creation myths of the Dogon and Bamana. In Dogon mythology,
Lebe, the oldest Dogon man and the first hogon (priest), became the first to
experience death, and he introduced it to mankind. Images of Lebe show him bearded and
wearing a cap.
Since Lebe was also a political
leader, he is depicted on horseback. The horse, in Dogon mythology was the first creature
to leave the ark after it fell from the sky to earth. It symbolizes power and wealth and
takes form in many ceremonial pieces as well as functional pieces (Sieber & Walker
1987, p. 133). Of special note are the ceremonial troughs, carved with the eight ancestors
and featuring a horse head and tail at the ends. They are used to test the strength of
young initiates into a secret society (Leuzinger 1960, p. 82,84) See
other examples of the Dogon horse and rider figures (scroll down)
Dogon
Religion - notes from Barbara DeMott
Dogon
Creation Story
Lidded
Vessel with Equestrian Figure - Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Learn more about the Dogon of Mali.
