Malian Kneeling Female Figure

Both hands clasped at the back of the head, and the mouth open in a small gasp.

This kneeling female figure is Djenne, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the early 20th century. It is cast metal. Djenne figures cast in bronze and brass are generally associated with the cosmopolitan trading city of Djenne, and they often show kneeling or mounted figures, though meanings vary. Her arms loop up and over to meet at the back of the head. The body is a long, narrow column that ends in a rectangular lower block at the knees. A ridged collar marks the neck. The surface is dark brown with a soft sheen. It is 3 inches wide, 2 deep and 4.5 high.

Surprised, or perhaps just stretching.