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1 of 253523 objects
Mounted African Soldier 1800c. 1830
Brass | 12.5 x 4.2 x 9.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 10842
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A brass statuette of a mounted African soldier with cylindrical helmet, long coat and blunderbuss holding the reins in one hand, the horse with broad mane, fringed saddle and plain bridle on a rectangular base. African soldiers, namely from East and Southeast Africa, were employed in many Indian armies such as those of the Deccan Sultanate and states in western India.
The figure modelled and cast using the lost-wax process used in India to create images of Hindu deities.
Provenance
Presented to King Edward VII, when Prince of Wales, during his tour of India in 1875-76 by G. L. Narsinga Rao, probably whilst the Prince visited Madras in December 1875. This figure was presented to the Prince along with ten others (see RCINs 10838-10848).
The eleven figures are part of a larger set of figures reputedly commissioned by the Raja of Peddapuram, Timma Razu (d.1796) on the advice of his astrologer to review his troops daily. It appears that shortly after the death of the Raja, the figures were dispersed and examples from the set can be found in public and private collections in Britain and India. When the Prince's collection of eleven figures was publically displayed after he returned from India, the brass figures were commended for graphically illustrating 'the whole gamut of military swagger in men and beast'.
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Brass
Measurements
12.5 x 4.2 x 9.5 cm (whole object)
