Can someone give me info on this small brass African man?

On behalf of my neighbor, who is getting on in age. In the past she used to be a flight attendant. She has collected antique items all over the world. This little brass figurine is one of her favorite items. Unfortunately, she cannot remember where or when she bought or got it. I would love it if someone could share information, so I can tell her more about the item.

I’m pretty sure it’s made of brass:
-weight: 128gr -height: approx 6cm
Thank you, in advance for your help,

Take care,

Robert.

 

@Any Jewelry???

 

Probably an Akan Ashanti goldweight.

 

It could be Akan made, but it is not in the style(s) of goldweights, imo. I do think West African though.
@2manybooks may know.

 

Ashanti casting process,if anyone is interested.
https://carolventura.com/LostWaxCas...H2r0v0YM8-Ove1D5-toFl8Rpolh2HZZGY3meilrVbfdvo

 

not any goldweight i've ever seen......but maybe i haven't seen them all....

 

I believe your figure is from Mali, and probably made by a Dogon artisan. They make small ancestor figures using the "lost-wax" casting technique, often incorporating a stone in the body of the figure. Here are some comparisons:


https://christas.dk/dogon-figure-6/


https://african-arte.com/product/ancestral-bronze-stone-figure-mali/

Also:
http://ancientpoint.com/inf/169660-bronze_and_stone_dogon_maternity_ancestor_figure___mali__.html

https://forafricanart.com/product/dogon-hogon-figure-4200/


I don't know how much credence to give to the story that the stones are taken from the ancestors grave to be used in the figure. Nor can I say how old yours is, or whether it was made for use or made for sale. Artisans in Mali now make lost-wax cast figures for sale.

 

Thank you all so much for your help and contributions. It very much looks to be Dogan/Mali. (In my humble opinion.) I took my laptop to my neighbor and showed her the Dogan art. She also thinks that it is likely that the brass item is from Mali. She was really happy to get info, even if it had only been that it was 'West African'.

She had been wondering about it for a long time. And was, not only amazed at how fast I got replies to my post. But, also that there are people out there, with whom you can connect, through the interstellair, that are so kind to help you and share their knowledge, haha. So, thank you very much on her behalf, she really was very pleased.

 

Just to make future searches easier, it is Dogon, two o's.