African Standing Figure of Man with Rooster

A man holds a rooster close to his face, as if about to tell it a secret. Or ask for one.

Miniature metal figures like this were made in many West African communities for personal and ritual use, and the rooster is a frequent image in offerings and sacrifice. This small cast figure dates to the 20th century. He leans forward on bent legs, both arms wrapped around the long-necked bird. Its comb flares into three points, its body animated with spiral and herringbone detail. He stands on a flat rectangular plate that ends in a small raised box with a round opening. The dark metal glows warm where hands have burnished it.

Three inches of conversation.