Dogon Standing Male Figure Holding Coiled Bag

He carries his bag the way a man carries a habit.

A Dogon smith in Mali forged him in iron, in the 20th century. Dogon smiths made small figures for personal use and protection, often showing people going about their lives. Four inches tall, this one lifts a hand to his chin while the other grips the strap of a coiled bag over his shoulder. Crossed bands with a round pendant cross his chest. A belt, a patterned loincloth panel, rings at the ankles.

The patina is a muted gray-green, all the way through. He looks thoughtful. Possibly he is deciding where to put the bag down.