Dogon Pendant Depicting Male Figure with Pipe, Based

One hand lifts a pipe to the mouth, and the green patina does the rest.

This pendant depicting a male figure with pipe, based, is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 19th century. It is bronze. Dogon metalwork is generally cast by the lost-wax method and often shows single figures in everyday or ceremonial poses. The slim figure sits with one arm bent up to his face, the other hanging straight, and a belted waist between narrow legs. Verdigris gathers on the face and chest against dark metal. It stands on a slender rod set into a black square base. It is 1.5 inches wide and 3 high.

A relaxed moment, in a very serious medium.