Malian Bronze Chief in Hut

A seated figure keeps to the shade of a broad round roof.

This bronze, called Chief in Hut, comes from Mali, West Africa, and is attributed to the Djenne people. It dates to the 20th century. The inland Niger Delta around Djenne is known for its long metalworking and figurative traditions, and small cast bronzes in this manner are often linked to the region. A single figure sits with knees raised and hands resting on them, framed by four columns on a square base. A conical roof caps the structure. The surface is crusted with green and blue patina. It is 2.5 inches high and 2 in diameter.

Small house, important tenant.