Dogon Standing Female Figure with Hands Together

Hands together over her belly, and something small under her palms.

Dogon smiths cast figures like this one by the lost-wax method for personal and altar use. This bronze woman, from Mali in the 20th century, stands with straight legs, a small form in relief beneath her hands.

The domed, crested head has round eyes, a projecting mouth and small ears, and a ring circles her neck. Knobs at each shoulder suggest armlets, and her breasts hang low against the torso. A smooth, dark brown patina covers all four and a half inches.

A secret, kept in bronze.