Dogon Standing Female Figure

Arms held wide with chunky cuffs, this little figure seems ready to greet someone.

This standing female figure in iron is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. Standing female figures are a common theme in Dogon sculpture, and they are often interpreted in relation to ancestry and fertility, though meanings vary. Shown is a slim standing figure with a small head, long thin arms that angle outward ending in thick wrist bands, and a ridged hip band. The legs are straight with ankle rings. The surface is brown, rough and lightly worn. It is 0.5 inches wide, 1.25 deep and 2.25 high.

Arms open, feet planted and ready for company.