Dogon Seated Maternity Ancestor Figure

Seated mother-like figure with a small companion tucked against her knee.

This seated maternity ancestor figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze. Small bronzes from Mali were generally produced by specialist casters using the lost-wax technique, which preserves fine details from the original wax model. Dark brown surface with golden rubbed highlights on a seated figure, long face with heavy lids, and hands pressed to the chest. A smaller form rests at the side by the lap. Legs fold beneath in a compact, rounded mass. It is 1.5 inches wide, 2 deep and 3.5 high.

Quietly steals the scene with a very small co-star.