Dogon Bronze Standing Figure

Round disk in one hand, a curved staff over the other arm, a pouch at the hip. Equipped, evidently, for something.

Dogon smiths have long cast figures by the lost-wax method, and pieces like this were kept for personal and shrine use as well as made for wider exchange. This bronze, from Mali in the 20th century, is just over six inches tall. The face is long and narrow, the coiffure crested, the arms and ankles ringed. The disk is perhaps a shield.

The surface has a dry earthy patina in ochre and gray, with darker metal in the recesses. He is ready. Be ready too.