Dogon Seated Maternity Ancestor Figure

Rounded, seated figure with a spiral belly and hands pressed to its chin.

This seated maternity ancestor figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze. Maternal figures, often shown seated with a child, are a theme in Dogon sculpture and are generally associated with fertility, lineage and the continuity of families. Warm brown surface on a seated figure with crossed legs, a long face and a big, rounded abdomen carved with concentric rings. Arms rise to the face, and a long, thin object angles down along one side. It is 1.75 inches wide, 1.75 deep and 3.75 high.

Plenty of belly, plenty of poise, and zero hurry.