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Rare Benin Bronze Horse & Rider – African Tribal Art Sculpture – 13″ Tall

£ 85.00

Categories:

Rare Benin Bronze Horse & Rider – African Tribal Art Sculpture – 13″ Tall

£ 85.00

On offer is a rare and visually striking Benin bronze horse and rider figure, standing at an impressive 13 inches tall. This powerful representation of African tribal artistry hails from the historic Kingdom of Benin—a once-great empire in what is now modern-day Nigeria—renowned for its master metalworkers and lost-wax casting tradition.

The sculpture is cast in a non-magnetic metal, strongly indicating bronze, and features a stylized, elongated horse rearing dramatically, with a warrior or noble figure mounted atop. The rider holds an object, possibly a staff or horn, and wears a traditional flared headdress, while the horse’s mane is richly detailed with spiral motifs—hallmarks of the Benin bronzes. The warrior’s presence on horseback suggests status, power, and ceremonial symbolism.

📌 Key Features: ✅ Authentic Benin bronze-style horse and rider sculpture
✅ Tall and commanding: stands approx. 13 inches (33 cm)
✅ Non-magnetic metal – Likely bronze, cast using traditional techniques
✅ Fine detailing: spiral motifs, flared headdress, decorative saddle and reins
✅ Circular base shows an old age-related crack (see images – stable but present)
✅ Aged patina consistent with time and authenticity
✅ Classic tribal aesthetic – powerful and iconic visual statement
✅ Rare collectible – difficult to source in this condition and size

🔎 Historical Context:
The Benin Bronzes are among the most important examples of African art, historically commissioned by the royal court of the Benin Kingdom (circa 13th to 19th century). They were crafted by guilds of artisans who used the lost-wax (cire-perdue) technique, passing skills down through generations. While many original bronzes were taken during the British punitive expedition of 1897, pieces in this style remain prized for their artistry and cultural legacy.

This sculpture is inspired by, and possibly part of, this artistic lineage—either a traditional work or a later 20th-century continuation of the craft. Its monumental vertical stance, bold features, and cultural symbolism make it a museum-worthy item for collectors of African tribal, ethnographic, and post-colonial art.

🎯 Perfect For: ✔️ Collectors of African tribal and ethnographic art
✔️ Interior designers seeking bold, authentic statement pieces
✔️ Museums or institutions with African art holdings
✔️ Lovers of bronze sculpture & historical figurative art

📦 Shipping Information:
We proudly ship worldwide. Shipping cost will vary based on your location and preferred service level. You will be shown the postage cost before confirming your purchase—no surprises.

⚠️ Please note: this sculpture has a visible crack to the circular base (see final image). It does not appear to compromise stability but is reflected in the price.


💎 A truly rare and iconic piece of African artistry—powerful, noble, and rich with cultural depth. Don’t miss the opportunity to add this Benin bronze horse and rider sculpture to your collection.

Buy now before it’s gone—authentic pieces of this scale are exceptionally hard to come by.

stock code 130425

1 in stock

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