African Iron Seated Figure

Hands up beside the face, legs crossed. Is he startled, or pleased? The iron declines to say.

Made in the 20th century, this small figure is six inches tall. Figurative metalwork of this kind was cast or forged for personal and shrine use, its compact scale suiting it to being carried or kept close. The head is tall and pointed, with a long nose and incised eyes. Slim arms bend sharply at the elbows. A crosshatched lozenge marks the chest, a herringbone pattern runs down the body, and a small ring sits in the lap. The surface is dark, pale deposits gathered in the engraved lines.

Pocket-sized. Keep him within reach.