Dogon Bronze Maternity Figure, Based

Her head is pointed, her face long, and the effect is solemn.

This Dogon maternity figure, cast in bronze in Mali in the early 20th century, shows a mother holding her child. The subject is widespread in West African art, where it speaks to fertility and the continuity of family and community. She stands six inches tall on her base, with long straight legs and a narrow torso. The child sits high at her side, held by one encircling arm, while her other hand is raised.

The surface is dark, textured, black.

Read the silhouette first. The details will wait.