Dogon Iron Figure of a Prisoner

He sits on the ground, one knee up, one leg stretched out, a long arm braced at his side.

A prisoner, in iron. The Dogon of Mali made metal figures for shrines and ritual use, and their poses often record scenes and roles from daily and communal life. This one, 20th century, is under three inches tall. His tall pointed head has deeply marked eyes and mouth, and a ribbed band crosses the chest.

The surface is heavily patinated in deep green and brown, giving the little sculpture a weathered look.

Small, and not quite resigned.