Dogon Seated Male Figure with Lute

Bearded kneeling figure raising one bare leg like a man putting on a boot.

This seated male figure with a lute is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is forged metal. Dogon metalwork includes cast and forged figures, and the same smiths traditionally made hoes, blades and jewelry for their communities. Bearded figure kneels on one leg with a bold, ridged brow and a pointed cap. Both hands hold the other leg up in the air at an angle, foot pointing outward. The surface is a warm yellow-gold with greenish traces. It is 1.25 inches wide, 1.25 deep and 2.5 high.

A very serious man, caught in a very awkward moment.