Figure 319

Bronze sculpture of horse and rider clearly made by a lost-wax casting process. The work exhibits a modern coating; the original surface appearance is unknown (and may never be known) due to repeated surface treatments it experienced after leaving Africa. Mounted Ruler, Edo Peoples, Benin, Nigeria, 16th century, L. 45.7 cm (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, inv. L-G 7.12.2012).