Dogon Iron Seated Figure

Legs crossed, one hand on his heart, and a beard he clearly takes seriously.

This seated figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is iron. Small metal figures were made by Dogon smiths for altars and personal shrines, though what any single figure meant to its owner is rarely recorded. He sits cross-legged on the ground, one arm wrapped across the chest with fingers spread, the other bent with a bangle at the wrist. A pointed cap tops a long face with a combed beard. The dark surface is pitted and worn. He measures 2 inches wide and 3 high.

Composed, attentive, and in no hurry to stand.