Dogon Standing Male Figure, Based

Long arms, a thin beard, and the posture of a man waiting for a verdict.

This standing male figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa. It is bronze, and it comes on a base. Dogon smiths cast small figures by the lost-wax method, and these are generally associated with shrines and household use. The figure stands with arms close to the sides, hands touching the thighs, bands at the shoulders and wrists. A ring circles the neck, and a short skirt marks the waist. An anklet shows at one foot. The dark surface has a worn, handled look. It is 2 inches wide, 2 deep and 7.5 high.

He is patient, and his posture suggests he has to be.