Dogon Pendant Depicting Kneeling Female, Based

Heavy brows, hands on her knees. She is not about to be hurried.

Dogon casters in Mali made small pendants like this by the lost-wax process, worn as ornaments, often hung from a loop at the head. This kneeling woman is bronze, 20th century, about two inches tall. A looped crest rises from her head. The face is simply modeled. Brighter golden highlights show on breasts, face and knees, where handling has rubbed the dark metal. A small black base holds her up.

Small, yes. Beside larger works, she does not blink.