Kotoko Bronze Female Figure

Arms away from the body, a plain face, and the calm of a very old idea.

Kotoko metalworkers of Chad, Central Africa, cast this female figure in bronze in the 20th century. Small cast figures from the Lake Chad region are commonly associated with personal or ritual use. The figure stands with feet apart and arms held loosely away from the sides, with tiny fists. The head is a long oval with a ridge forming the brow and nose, and the chest is marked with modest breasts. The surface is dark bronze with green traces and lighter, worn patches.

About seven and a half inches tall. A stoic neighbor.