African Forged Iron Kneeling Figure, Based

The blacksmith, in many West African societies, was something more than a tradesman. Sometimes he was something sacred.

Small forged figures were made for shrines and altars. This one, 20th century, is drawn out of iron into a long, narrow column. One knee rests on the base while the other leg bends forward, which gives it a sense of movement. Both arms bend upward, hands raised. The head is a long crested oval with a projecting face, the torso textured with hammered hatching. Even rust-brown patina. Nearly eight inches tall, on a small black plinth.

Caught mid-rise. Or mid-prayer. The iron declines to say.