Dogon Pendant Depicting Seated Figure

Worn close to the body, in daily life, wherever the day went.

Dogon smiths of Mali cast this small pendant in bronze in the mid 20th century, and miniature castings were worn as personal ornaments and amulets. A slender figure stands poised above an open ring, three inches tall, its long arms curving down to grasp a pointed, horn-like element at the center. The whole rests on a tiny rectangular plinth.

A crusty, pale green patina covers nearly every surface, softening the modeling and recording years of burial or handling.

Hold it up to the light. Take your time.