Dogon Forged Iron Standing Figure, Based

Lean, abstract, and entirely without ornament. The smith needed none.

Dogon blacksmiths, whose craft carried social and ritual importance, made figures like this for altars and shrines. This one was forged in iron in Mali in the 20th century and stands six inches tall. The head is elongated, almost blade-like, the chest flat and rectangular, the thin arms bent inward so the hands meet over the middle. The long legs part in a gentle arch before resting on small feet.

The surface is a dry, tawny rust with darker patches, and hammering is visible along the limbs.

A drawing in metal. One line, one decision.