Edo Standing Male Figure with Rifle, Based

Benin City has cast in brass for centuries, and its casters have always looked around them. Daily life goes in. Dress goes in.

Here, a man in a pointed cap, buttoned jacket and knee-length shorts stands with a long rifle planted beside him like a staff. His right arm is raised high, the hand split into an open fork. Edo, Nigeria, 20th century, bronze, just over four inches tall. The rough surface runs to earthy red and green.

Wide stance. Raised hand. He appears about to make an announcement.