Dogon Bronze Figure, Mali

Her arms run all the way down to her feet. The Dogon stretch the human form, and the form does not complain.

This bronze figure was made in Mali in the 20th century. Small cast figures were kept on altars and carried as personal charms, and their makers often drew the body into long, graceful lines. She sits with legs folded beneath her, very long arms straight down the sides to rest beside the feet. A pointed crest tops the narrow head, with a long nose and small mouth, above pendant breasts and a lightly incised torso. The patina is warm dark brown, lighter on the raised surfaces.

Six inches.