Dogon Seated Male Figure, Based

Dogon smiths held an important place in community life, and what came off their forges was made for personal and ritual use.

This seated man is iron, Mali, 20th century, four and a half inches tall. He sits on a round stool, legs crossed at the ankles, long rounded arms resting on his knees. The head rises to a point, with a firm brow, close-set eyes and a pointed beard. Small raised dots mark the chest and navel.

The surface is rough and earthy, with the grainy, corroded texture of old iron.

He has been sitting a long time. He sees no reason to stand.