Dogon Standing Figure of a Drummer

Leggy figure with a block head and two hoop-shaped hands held out front.

This standing figure of a drummer is Dogon, from Mali, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is cast metal. Drums are central to music and ceremony in many West African cultures, and figures of musicians appear in sculpture across the region. In the photo, a tall, thin black figure with a rectangular head, narrow shoulders and arms curving forward into round, ring-like hands. The legs splay in a wide inverted V with a small projection between them. It stands on a black base. It is 1 inches wide, 0.5 deep and 3.5 high.

Geometry with legs, and good posture besides.