Dogon Figure of Standing Female

A tall crest of hair rises like a question mark that decided to stay upright.

This figure of a standing female is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the early 20th century. It is bronze. Dogon smiths cast small figures by the lost-wax method, and such miniatures are generally associated with personal shrines and protective practice, though their exact roles are often debated. She stands stiffly frontal, hands resting at her hips, breasts set high on a narrow torso. Small round ears flank a broad face, and green patina gathers across the rough surface. Mounted on a black base, she is 2 inches wide and 5 high.

Five inches tall, and every one of them spent standing up straight.