Senufo Bronze Kneeling Figure

Five and a half inches of kneeling. Arms in two wide hoops. Hands to the face.

In Senufo hands, small castings like this were kept by diviners and in personal shrines, where they helped in seeking guidance from the spirit world. This one is bronze, Mali, 20th century. The legs fold beneath. The head is compact, with small features and a round open mouth. Incised chevrons pattern the chest, fine lines texture the arms, and thick rings stack up the waist. The surface is earthy tan over darker metal.

Whatever it is asking, it asks with its whole posture.