Bambara Iron Standing Figure, Based

All limbs and no excess. This one walks in a straight line.

Bambara metalworkers of Mali, West Africa, forged this standing figure in iron in the 20th century. Iron figures of this tall, spare kind are often associated with Mali’s blacksmiths, who hold a respected place in many communities. The torso is a narrow strip, hammered flat, and the legs are two long rods. The arms flare out unevenly, one swept wide and one bent back. A small head with beady, round eyes sits on a tapering neck. The iron is a mottled copper-brown with traces of rust, on a black base.

About 11.5 inches tall. Spare as a line drawing, and as stubborn.