Dogon Figure with Hand in Mouth

One hand clamped over the mouth, as though a secret nearly got out.

This figure with hand in mouth is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze. Gestures of the hand at the mouth appear in some West African sculpture and are generally read as signs of silence or restraint, though interpretations differ. The figure kneels, one arm raised with a ridged forearm, the other arm folded across the belly. Breasts are shown, and the face is marked by a ridged brow. Brown crust covers parts of the dark surface. It is 1.5 inches wide, 1.75 deep and 3.5 high.

Discretion, held in place by a hand.