Lobi Iron Standing Figure, Based

Drawn like a sketch, but in metal, which is harder to erase.

Lobi blacksmiths in Burkina Faso forged figures that were often placed on shrines, and their spare, linear forms are characteristic of the region’s ironwork. This one dates to the 20th century and stands nine inches on its base. A small flat head tops a long vertical body. The arms curve out and down in two arcs that end in flat paddle hands. The legs part only at the very bottom, above small flat feet.

A rust-brown surface covers all of it. The black base does the rest. A great deal said with a few lines.