Dogon Twisted Standing Figure

Slender figure twists upward on a tiny round foot, with a beaded look.

This twisted standing figure of the Dogon peoples is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is iron. In many West African societies blacksmiths hold a respected and specialized position, forging tools, weapons and small iron figures. On a small circular base stands a thin dark metal figure with its body twisted into a spiral. A small face with a raised crest sits on top, and the surface is rough, grainy and uneven. It is 1.5 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 8.5 high.

Remarkably upright for something so thoroughly twisted.