Dogon Seated Male Figure with Hands on Beard

He rests his chin on his hands and seems to be thinking it over.

Dogon metalworkers of Mali, West Africa, cast this seated male figure in bronze. Dogon bronzes are commonly associated with ritual, ancestors and protection. The figure squats with knees drawn up and both forearms lifted to the beard, stretching the thin limbs into long angles. A narrow head with a pointed beard and a small topknot rises above the shoulders. The surface is dark brown, rough and worn, with warmer tones on the high points.

About 4 inches tall. Small enough to pocket, grave enough to run the shelf.