Dogon Standing Male Figure with Arms Crossed

Compact figure with a banded neck and a startled, pursed-lip expression.

This standing male figure with arms crossed is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is iron. Dogon forged iron figures from Mali are often tall and slender, and posture such as crossed arms is a recurring way of showing a standing person. Short, stocky figure with a round head, open mouth, and layered bands around the neck and chest. The arms hang straight, and a ring circles each ankle. The surface is dark brown with a smooth, rubbed sheen. It is 1.5 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 5.5 high.

Banded, buttoned and a bit surprised about it.