Dogon Figure of a Seated Couple

Two figures sit side by side on a bench. One of them is tilting an ear toward the other.

Dogon casters of Mali, West Africa, made this figure of a seated couple in bronze in the 20th century. Paired seated figures are commonly associated with marriage, ancestors and balance in Dogon thought. The man and woman sit upright on a long stool, with tall crested heads and arms around each other’s shoulders. The base is a rectangular frame with small crossbars. The bronze is dark, rough and well worn, with green marks at the edges.

About 4 and a half inches tall. A conversation that never ends.