Kneeling Figure

Kneeling, with a bowl held out in both hands and a hat that adds considerable height.

This kneeling figure dates to the 20th century and is made of cast metal. Small cast figures holding vessels appear in many sculptural traditions, where the offering bowl is generally read as a gesture of giving or service. Here the figure wears a tall cylindrical headdress above a narrow, long-nosed face. Both arms reach forward to support a shallow bowl with a looped metal handle. One knee rests on the ground, the other leg bends up, and a small ring circles one ankle. The figure stands on a square black base. It is 3 inches wide and 5 high.

The hat does most of the talking, and the bowl does the rest.