Dogon Twisted Standing Figure

Twisted like a wrung cloth, and still standing.

Dogon smiths of Mali, West Africa, forged this twisted standing figure in iron in the 20th century. Dogon iron figures are often elongated, and many are tied to ritual use or to the smith’s standing, though meanings vary. Here the whole body spirals along its length, from a long, narrow face to a flared round foot. Pinched marks and small bumps suggest a chest and belly. The metal is dark and gritty, with spots of green. It needs no stand.

About six and a half inches tall. A bit of kinetic energy for a still shelf.