This is a small piece from the Chief Ihama family of bronze artists.  The depiction is of a historical Benin Warrior, mounted on a horse.  He is holding a spear and is topped with a hat which style was borrowed from the Portugese.  The piece is cast brass using the lost wax method, the same as has been done in Benin City for centuries, since at least the 1400s when the portugese first visited Benin City for trade purposes. 

The piece stands just over 10 inches tall, 7 inches long, and weighs just over 4 pounds.  Since the lost wax casting method melts away the details each piece is completely unique and one of a kind.  Own a bit of history with this bronze art work, created by descendants of the royal bronze artists of the Benin Kingdom.