Dogon Iron Seated Figure

Rust-brown seated figure with fists on its knees and an alert, pointed head.

This seated iron figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Iron figures are made by forging rather than casting, so their arms, legs and heads are often joined or bent from separate pieces of hammered metal. Figure seated with a tall rounded-point head, a small beaded-looking face, and shoulders cut square. Both fists rest on bent knees. The reddish-brown surface is rough and speckled, with orange tones at the joints. It is 1.75 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 3 high.

Sturdy pose, steady stare, and a good deal of rust.