Dancer - Rug

ONE OF A KIND - 175cm x 225cm

Curves, prances and tilts dressed in the finery of celebration combine to express the fanciful extreme of the Basotho pony’s talent and skill.

This art piece showcases Dancer, a truly spirited Basotho pony who upheld the reputation of his legendary ancestor Vonk in every way.

The name Vonk means The Spark, a metaphor that this heroic horse expanded into a blaze of glory through his outstanding performance and service to mankind.

In 1773, Vonk the Spark with his rider Wolraad Woltemade made several trips out through the icy cold stormy seas to rescue men off the shipwrecked De Jonge Thomas ship, just off Cape Town. From seven trips they rescued 14 men but sadly on the eighth attempt both man and horse succumbed to exhaustion from their battle against the might of the sea.

This historic tale of heroism formed a bedrock for accolades and medals for bravery among men, in addition to giving rise to stories and accounts of Vonk the Spark, the bravest stallion of the 18^th century.

Such valour and steel feature prominently in the Basotho pony which evolved out of the mix of the interbred horses from the Cape and those of the Basotho mountain people.

And Dancer never failed to honour his noble ancestry. Always willing to take any opportunity to cross flooded rivers in the heart of Zululand, powerfully swim through crashing waves of the sea, ride into the midst of wild game where predators prowled, or display a fancy turn of step to complement celebratory festivities, Dancer epitomised the fearless, sure-footed and good-natured Basotho pony.

We, in turn, so inspired by his spirit, dedicate this art to his legacy and the uplifting influence he left in his trail.