Dogon Seated Figure on Top of Abstract Ladder, Based

Spiky, branching rod with a minuscule seated figure at the top.

This seated iron figure on top of an abstract ladder, on a base is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Notched wooden ladders are used by the Dogon to reach granaries and cliff dwellings, and the ladder also appears as a motif in Dogon art. Thin upright shaft sends out pairs of sharp, spur-like projections as it rises, like a stylized thorn branch. A small figure sits on top. The dark metal is dull and lightly scratched, on a small square stand. It is 2 inches wide, 2.5 deep and 9 high.

Prickly stem, tiny passenger, absurdly good view.