Dogon Standing Male Star Gazer Figure

A figure so thin that it is almost all line, and a long way from its feet to its face.

This standing male star gazer figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is forged copper and iron. Dogon smiths are known for slender forged figures, and the star gazer type is often linked to the Dogon interest in the sky, though interpretations vary. The figure is a single slim rod rising from a small domed base. A tiny head tops the shaft, tilted slightly upward. A short projection marks the arms partway up. The metal has a warm, mottled patina. It is 73 inches high and 6 in diameter.

It keeps its eyes on higher things.