Dogon Standing Female Figure

Lost-wax casting asks the maker to make a figure twice, once in wax, once in metal. The Dogon were thorough.

This small standing woman in bronze comes from Mali, early 20th century, made for personal and ritual use. She stands on slightly bent legs with one hand raised to her chin and the other arm folded across her body below the breasts. The face is long and angular, and the navel and hips are marked in relief.

A heavy encrustation of gray, green and pale earth covers the surface, the result of long age. Four inches tall.

Pensive, with a hand to her chin.