Lobi Iron Figure of an Animal

Small animal built low and long, nose first into the unknown.

This iron animal figure from the Lobi is Lobi, from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. The Lobi live in the region where Burkina Faso, Ghana and Ivory Coast meet, and they are known for carved wooden figures and small iron work. Slender, flat-backed creature with short legs, a rounded rear and a narrow, pointed head with a small hole near the eye. The surface is green-gray with a rough, crusty finish and darker patches along the back. It is 5 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 0.75 high.

Aerodynamic in spirit, if not in practice.