Dogon Twisted Standing Female Figure

Her torso spirals like a wrung cloth.

Dogon smiths of Mali, West Africa, forged this twisted standing female figure in iron in the 20th century. Elongated iron figures are commonly made for ritual use among the Dogon. Her body winds in a tight spiral from shoulders to hips, one arm crossing the chest. The head is long and oval with a small topknot. Below the twist, the legs merge into a single column that flares to a round foot.

About 8 inches tall. Holds a pose, and a room’s attention.