Dogon Figure of an Animal, Mali

Long, flat lizard-like creature with a scalloped back and a pointed snout.

This forged metal animal figure from the Dogon is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. The Dogon live in central Mali, and their blacksmiths are known for small forged figures of people and animals. Elongated body with a crest of small bumps along the back, four short legs and a tapering neck leading to a small pointed head. Surface is rough, gray and pitted with crusty brown patches. It is 5.75 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 1 high.

Low-slung and unhurried, and happy to stay that way.