Dogon Iron Seated Figure

Made to be held. You can tell by the surface, which long handling has deepened.

This seated iron figure is Dogon, from Mali, 20th century. Households and individuals kept small metal figures on altars and as protective charms. This one sits upright with long, looping arms, hands resting on the knees, lower legs hanging straight down to broad, ringed feet. A small oval head rises on a tall neck above a slender torso with pendant breasts. Raised bands circle the upper arms and wrists. The patina is mottled and dark, with green and earthy tones.

Three inches. Close the hand around it. It fits.