Dogon Bronze Kneeling Figure

Hunched, dark figure with a tall pointed head and sleeve-like arms pressed to its sides.

This kneeling figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze. Miniature kneeling figures appear in Dogon metalwork and wood sculpture, and the pose is often read as a gesture of respect or prayer. Compact kneeling figure with a tall, tapering head, a long narrow face and an open mouth. Thick, ridged arms hang to the sides. The knees are rounded, and the matte black surface has a rough, mottled texture. It is 0.5 inches wide, 1.25 deep and 4.25 high.

Brooding, blunt, and wonderfully built with no angles wasted.