Miniature Horse Effigy

An exceptionally fine and rare miniature effigy of a horse. Carved with undeniable Maestria, the minute animal shows off its equine power through the extreme stylization of the animal and the fine modeling of the musculature. This minute effigy was possibly used as a charm both in ritual contexts as well as carried on the person in more mundane moments. It is possible that this minute masterpiece of sculpture was created for a type of “horse magic” that might enhance breeding or capture.

Horses were of the greatest importance allowing the Plains Indians to cover at speed the vast expanses of the Mid-West, traveling far to fight their enemies as well as hunting the great bison. The horse was introduced into the North American continent only in the early 16th century by the Spanish conquistadors yet by the end of the 18th century the Plains Indians had already mastered the horse to an undisputed degree.

Probably Plains Indians
Slate with a fine patina of wear and age. There are no traces of modern tools apparent and under high magnification and both UV and normal light the patina and surface are completely within time-line expectations.
19th Century or earlier
3 cm long x 1 cm high x 0,8 cm wide

Provenance Provenance : 
Roger Crabtree, Oklahoma City, OK
Ed Lavino, Jackson Hole, WY. Purchased in 1998
Blackburn, Santa Fe
Eugene Manning, NY