Dogon Kneeling Male Figure

Crouching figure with a thick neck ring, tall head and a firmly set expression.

This kneeling male figure in forged metal is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Among the Dogon, blacksmiths are often described as a distinct group whose work in iron and other metals is tied to farming, ritual and sculpture. Framed whole, a small, compact figure with a tall, narrow head, a heavy collar and short arms folded in at the front. The legs are bent and tucked up. The surface is grey-brown with lighter, worn patches and small green marks. It is 0.5 inches wide, 0.5 deep and 2 high.

Compact, collared, and quietly sure of itself.