Dogon Pendant Depicting Female Monkey, Based

She kneels, hands on her knees. A ring circles her shoulders and makes a loop to hang by.

Animals figure widely in Dogon art, and small cast pendants and amulets were worn on the body or kept for protection and personal significance. This bronze female monkey from Mali, made in the 20th century, is only two and a half inches tall. Small breasts sit high on a slim torso. Her long snout has pierced nostrils and a wide mouth.

The dark surface carries patches of reddish-orange residue in the recesses. Wear her, or just keep her about. Monkeys prefer company.