Dogon Kneeling Bearded Warrior Looking Skyward

Kneeling. Bearded. Eyes on the sky. Whatever he is waiting for, he is ready.

This small cast bronze is Dogon, from Mali, made in the 20th century. Miniature figures cast by the lost-wax method came in many sizes and were often worn or kept as personal and protective objects. He kneels with squared shoulders and a lifted head, the face long and narrow above the beard. The chest carries a raised crosshatched pattern, the shoulders rounded knobs, the legs ribbed and heavy. Green and brown encrustation covers much of the surface.

Four inches high. Strength does not require size.