African Abstract Seated Figure

The smith took away everything but the idea. What remains is a column, an oval head, two straight arms.

This abstract iron figure dates to the 20th century. Forged iron sculpture of this kind relies on the smith’s skill in drawing out and bending the metal, and pieces like it were often made for ritual settings. Nearly six inches high, the tall body supports a small head on a narrow neck. The arms run parallel to the torso down to a low seat and a block-like support at the base, a wrapped band of iron connecting them. The surface is heavily rusted, orange and brown, rough and pitted. A black base mounts it.

Old iron, modern manners. It would not look out of place in a gallery of the present.