Dogon Iron Maternity Figure, Based

The child sits snug against her belly, tucked inside the curve of her arm.

This maternity figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is iron, and it comes on a base. Mother and child figures are among the most frequent subjects in Dogon art, usually connected with fertility and the continuation of the family. She stands tall, legs straight, feet set on a mounting plate. A round child presses against her middle, while a long arm reaches down her side. Her face is narrow, with a small mouth, and the surface is a dusty brown. She is 2 inches wide and 4.5 high.

Busy hands, calm face, as usual.