Chadian Seated Figure with Hand on Chest

Smooth, bright figure whose head has been polished to a mirror finish.

This seated bronze figure with hand on chest is from Chad, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Bronze is an alloy based on copper, strong enough to hold fine casting detail yet easily reworked, so small figures made of it are found across Africa. Figure seated with a tall, smooth, bulb-shaped head with almost no features. One arm presses against the chest, the other side is darker and rougher. Short stub feet stick forward. The surface glows yellow where it was rubbed. It is 0.75 inches wide, 1 deep and 1.75 high.

The head has been rubbed a lot, apparently with affection.