Dogon Seated Male Figure

Compact little figure with arms crossed and a very serious face.

This seated male figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the early 20th century. It is bronze. Lost-wax casting allows a small figure to be modeled in beeswax, covered with clay and then cast in bronze, so each casting has its own surface. Dark, glossy upper body with round eyes, a heavy brow and a small mouth, above arms crossed tightly over the chest. The lower half turns rough and brown, with a flat base. Small circles mark the upper torso. It is 1 inches wide, 0.6 deep and 2.2 high.

Brooding in miniature, with excellent posture for a small thing.