The ancient city of Jenne and the region surrounding it have yielded from the alluvial soil some of the most fascinating works of art in all Africa. For a thousand years or more bronze sculptures were made for use by individuals as adornments. This beautiful sculpture has features in common with terracotta busts and statues. The elongated head is similar in its spherical shape to the bulging eyes, which stare at us with dramatic intensity as if he is seeing a vision. He seems as if he is about to kneel down, with his hands poised lightly on the knees ready to embrace the ground in homage. The rather large amulet around the neck suggests those worn by priests. The extended stomach with its sharp point may relate to the navel as a focal point of the life force. He is probably an ancestral figure intended to ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer from adversity. With such power in such a small form we may well believe this man has lost known of his ability to bring good fortune to whomever owns him.