Malian Figure Depicting a Couple, Based

Two heads, two rings of arms, and a shared base to keep them together.

This figure depicting a couple is Djenne, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze, and it comes on a base. Paired figures appear in many West African traditions and are generally read as images of partnership and family. The two stand side by side, their arms looping into rings that meet in the middle. Both have large ringed eyes, crested heads and open mouths. The figure on the right has a small raised navel and breasts. Pale crust clings to the dark surface. It is 2 inches wide, 1 deep and 3 high.

Arm in arm, in the most literal way.