Iron Dogon representing a fictional animal with legs made up of anthropomorphic figures. Fine triangular patterns are incised on the surface. The curved shape of the base allows for rocking motion. Dogon blacksmiths form an endogamous caste among the Dogon called irim. They now produce weapons, tools, and also work with wood. "Masters of fire" associated in the Dogon cosmogony with the primordial beings "Nommo" created by the god Ama, they are also supposed to heal burns. Small metal objects, made using the lost-wax technique, were widespread in the Inner Niger Delta region, with copper reaching it through trans-Saharan trade. Excavations on the Bandiagara plateau have in fact brought to light vestiges of iron and steel sites prior to the 15th century, the date of the arrival of the Dogon. Since the Islamization of the region, which forbids human representations, small ritual objects of this type have disappeared. Provenance: Jean-Michel Huguenin, Paris #afrohemian26