Dogon Cross Leg Male Figure

Narrow standing figure with an elongated head leans on a flared foot.

This cross-legged male figure in forged metal is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Small Dogon figures in iron or bronze are often made by blacksmiths, who traditionally hold a distinct and respected place in many West African societies. Tall, thin cast figure with a long oval face, slender torso and tapered arms held at its sides. The feet spread into a small flat base. The surface is gray-green and pitted, with a light crust of mineral color. It is 1 inches wide, 1 deep and 3.5 high.

Skinny, solemn and entirely sure of its balance.