Chadian Seated Figure with Hands on Face

Small seated figure with its hands clamped over its face, perhaps in thought.

This seated bronze figure with hands on face is from Chad, Central Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Hands raised to the face are a gesture used in sculpture worldwide, and it is variously read as grief, thought, shame or concealment depending on the culture. Compact figure sits with a round, dome-like head and two long arms that rise straight up in front of the face. Thick blocky legs extend forward. The surface is dark brown and gently glossy, rubbed smooth at the high points. It is 0.5 inches wide, 1 deep and 1.75 high.

Either deep contemplation or a very good game of peekaboo.