Chamba Bronze Standing Figure

Three inches of bronze, elongated into something between a bird and a person.

Chamba casters of Nigeria, West Africa, made this standing figure in bronze in the 20th century. The Chamba people are known for cast metalwork and for stylized figures in which human and animal forms often blur. This one is narrow and upright, with a pointed head that tilts slightly forward, short winglike arms that angle out from the body, and two stubby legs. A bright gold-brown metal shows through, with soft turquoise corrosion pooling down the front.

About 3 inches tall. Pocket-sized and strangely tall in spirit.