Dogon Standing Male Figure Holding Shield

Grave-faced figure clutching a round shield and facing the day head-on.

This standing male figure holding a shield is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze. Shields and weapons appear in the art of many West African peoples, and a figure holding a shield is generally taken to suggest a warrior or protector. On view, a standing figure with a long, lined face and a draped garment across the torso. A small round shield, textured with fine marks, is held at the hip. The legs are straight and the feet bare. The surface is dark and worn. It is 1 inches wide, 1 deep and 4 high.

Brought a shield, left the smile at home.