Dogon Figure Sitting on a Ladder

Forked branch of gray, with a tiny figure tucked into the crotch.

This forged metal figure sitting on a ladder from the Dogon is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Forged metal is shaped by heating and hammering, and the Dogon blacksmith holds an important place in village life. Y-shaped form with two thick, slightly tapering arms that rise from a narrow stem. A small standing figure with a rounded head sits at the junction, and incised bands run down the stem. It is set on a black base. It is 2 inches wide, 1 deep and 5.5 high.

A tiny crowd of one at the heart of a slingshot.