“In Yoruba art, the equestrian image relates to the history of the Oyo Kingdom, which was invaded by the Nupe in about the mid-sixteenth century. In the late sixteenth century the Oyo, with the use of cavalry, reconquered the land and later expanded the kingdom. The equestrian became an image of power, human mastery over nature, and success in war and hunting.”
- Yale University Art Gallery.
The stark difference in size between the horse and rider is an artistic convention, to emphasize the importance of the rider, perhaps a heroic warrior, "jagunjagun", a king, "ọba", or the god of war himself, "Ogun".
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