Dogon Seated Male Figure

Both hands rise to cover the face, as if the figure has seen enough for one day.

This seated male figure is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze. Gestures of hands raised to the face appear repeatedly in Dogon sculpture and are generally taken to express mourning, modesty or reflection, though interpretations differ. The figure rests on a flat oval plate, long legs drawn up, arms bent tightly so the palms cover the eyes. Ridged lines mark the fingers and wrists. A dark green patina covers the body. It is 1 inch wide and 2 high.

Two inches tall and entirely private.