Dogon Standing Male Figure

A crowned figure with hands pressed together and a gray-green skin of age.

This standing male figure in iron is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Blacksmiths in many West African communities hold a special role, since they transform ore into tools, and their work is often surrounded by ritual. Standing figure with a spiky crown, a bearded face, and hands joined at the chest. The body is blocky with straight arms and legs set side by side. The surface is a pale gray-green with a dull, pitted finish. It is 1 inches wide, 1 deep and 4 high.

Properly dressed for royalty and carrying it off with a straight face.