Burkinabe Standing Figure with Arms By Sides

Stick-thin figure with a tall narrow head, standing on a tiny black plate.

This standing figure with arms by its sides is from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is iron. Iron figures in West Africa are usually forged by blacksmiths, who heat and hammer the metal into compact, upright shapes. Very slender, rod-like figure with a long head, elongated arms hanging close to the body and split legs. The surface is dark and dry, with small rust-toned spots. A small black rectangular base supports the feet. It is 1 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 9.5 high.

Reduced to essentials, then reduced a little further.