Dogon Standing Male Figure, Based

Arms pressed to his sides, he stands like a man waiting for a very formal photograph.

This standing male figure, based, is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the early 20th century. It is cast metal. Elongated, stripped-down figures are a recognizable strand of Dogon metalwork, where the human form is often reduced to a few strong lines. A small round head with a flat cap tops a narrow body, with open slits between the arms and torso. The legs are long and straight, ending in flat feet. A mottled green patina covers the surface. It is 1.5 inches wide and 8 high.

Economical in every sense.