Malian Bronze Grasshopper

Hind legs cocked, antennae forward, and a jump that has been postponed for some time.

This grasshopper is Djenne, from Mali, West Africa, dates to the early 20th century, and is bronze. Small cast bronzes of animals and figures have long been made in the Djenne region and the wider inland Niger delta, often by lost-wax casting. The body is long and ridged, incised with fine diagonal lines. Two folded hind legs rise above the back, and four slim forelegs hold it up. Short antennae project from the blunt head. The surface is crusted with green and rust patina. It is 3.75 inches wide, 8 deep and 3 high.

It has been about to jump for decades. No hurry.