Dogon Bronze Figure of a Monkey, Based

Monkeys turn up in Dogon bronze. So, in the surrounding landscape, did most things that moved.

Barely three inches tall, cast in Mali in the 20th century by the lost-wax method. Dogon smiths made small figures and amulets, often drawing on the local animals. Here the monkey stands upright and compact, ribbed arms raised along the body toward a rounded, elongated head. The bronze wears a granular green patina with earthy brown deposits, which softens the outline. Simple black base.

Desk, shelf, windowsill. Small primates are flexible about housing.