Dogon Kneeling Male Figure in Prayer

Arms crossed and chin up, an elongated figure contemplating something over there.

This kneeling male figure in prayer, in iron is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Small forged iron sculptures from Mali are typically made from a single heated piece or a few joined parts, so their rough hammered texture is part of the technique. Slender seated figure with an elongated head, a long pointed face and arms crossed over a narrow chest. Bent legs rest on a bulging base with a band at the ankle. The surface is a smooth, soft grey-brown. It is 0.75 inches wide, 1.25 deep and 4 high.

Tall for its size, and very much at ease.