Dogon Male Figure, Mali

Hands pressed to the chest, this figure waits with solemn composure.

This Dogon male figure in cast metal is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. The Dogon of Mali are known for their sculpture, and small metal figures there are generally cast by the lost-wax method, replacing a wax model with molten metal. Standing figure with a smooth round head, heavy brow, and a small beard. Both hands are held up at the chest, and the body is stiff with short legs and large feet. It rests on a black square base, its surface dark and worn. It is 0.5 inches wide, 0.5 deep and 2.5 high.

Small, stiff, and unshakably serious.