Dogon Standing Male Figure

Dotted scarification runs down the chest, and a lump of a staff leans on one side.

This standing male figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze. Dogon casters worked by the lost-wax method to produce small figures, which are generally associated with household shrines and ancestors. The figure stands square, with a tall, crested head and a face of sharp, simple planes. One hand holds a long staff, while the other grips a small object at the thigh. Fine punched marks decorate the torso. The surface is dark gold and finely worn. It is 1.25 inches wide, 2 deep and 5 high.

He comes equipped and dressed for the occasion.