Dogon Standing Male Figure, Based

The Dogon keep their protective things small and close.

Miniature metal figures like this one were made across Mali and Burkina Faso, kept as personal or shrine objects. This 20th-century iron man is three and a half inches tall and wrapped, it seems, in coils: close horizontal ribs from neck through arms and legs. A round, mask-like face. Prominent eyes. A broad mouth. Arms hang straight to large hands. The patina is worn and golden-brown, light on the ridges, dark in the hollows.

Attributed to the Dogon. He does not need the credit.