Dogon Pendant Depicting Seated Figure, Based

Small seated figure holds a looped band behind its head, like a car seat belt.

This iron pendant depicting a seated figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Seated figures are a common form in Dogon art, and scholars generally link the pose to ideas of dignity, ancestry and rest. Little cast figure sits on a small bench with knees together and hands pressed up under the chin. A wire loop arcs behind the head. The metal surface is brownish grey with greenish traces. A black base supports the piece. It is 1 inches wide, 1 deep and 3 high.

Seated, thoughtful and clutching something important.