Dogon Kneeling Female Figure with Cane

Kneeling, in Dogon art, is not weakness. It is respect, made visible.

This small bronze woman was cast in Mali in the 20th century. She kneels upright with a long straight torso, one hand on her knee, the other gripping a curved staff that rises to her shoulder. A tall pointed coiffure crowns an oval face. A raised navel, a banded belt. The surface is crusty, green and earthen, darker where it has worn.

Four inches. Poised, quiet, and entirely sure of herself.