Malian Depiction of Kneeling Couple with Arms Entwined

They kneel, arms entwined, faces tipped toward each other. The conversation looks well underway.

This depiction of a kneeling couple with arms entwined is Djenne, from Mali, West Africa, a 20th century bronze. Paired figures recur across the art of Mali, where they are often read as an image of the founding couple or of partnership itself, a subject with clear appeal for household and shrine alike. Both figures have long faces with jutting lips, and bellies with prominent navels. A snake runs down one torso. The patina is a mottled green and black, with bright points on knees and navels. Just under eight inches high.

A long marriage rarely looks so companionable.