Dogon Iron Maternity Figure

Mother, child, stool. The oldest composition there is.

Mother-and-child imagery recurs in Dogon sculpture, reflecting the value placed on fertility and the continuity of family. This Dogon iron maternity figure from Mali, 20th century, shows the mother seated on a low stool, feet planted on a round base, one arm cradling a small child at her breast. A tall pointed crest rises above her elongated face, with its heavy brows and small mouth. Mottled grey-green patina and earthy deposits, smoother and darker where worn.

Four and a half inches. Tender, and not at all sentimental.