Dogon Bronze Figure of Monkey

Elbows out, knees wide, entirely at ease. A posture with opinions.

Dogon artisans of Mali, West Africa, cast this monkey figure in bronze in the early 20th century. Dogon bronzes, usually made by lost-wax casting, were commonly kept for personal or household use and are often pared down to a few essential lines. Slender, rod-like limbs bend at sharp angles here, the legs splayed and the arms flung out from a narrow body. The surface is dark and pitted, with a rough, granular patina.

About 4 inches across. Small enough for a desk, odd enough to start a conversation.