Temne Standing Wood Figure, Based

He has stood this way a long time, hands at his sides, waiting for you to finish talking.

Temne people, Sierra Leone, early twentieth century. A carved wooden figure just under eleven inches tall, with traces of pigment, mounted on a black block. A neat cap of hair, wide pale eyes, a rounded torso and short trousered legs. The surface is dark and silvery, worn in places down to the wood.

The Temne live in the coastal country of Sierra Leone. This figure holds no tools and no weapon. Only patience.

He keeps good company, and he keeps his counsel.