Dogon Seated Male Figure Holding Animal

He holds a small creature in both hands, the way a person holds something he means to keep.

This seated male figure holding an animal is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is forged metal. Figures holding animals appear in Dogon work and are often read as images of offering or of abundance, though meanings vary from place to place. He kneels on broad rounded legs, a pointed cap rising above a bearded face. Hands cradle a flat-bodied animal at the chest. Raised dots and incised bands decorate the shoulders and body. It is 2.5 inches wide, 2.5 deep and 3 high.

The animal looks unconvinced, but it is staying put.