Protection, Guidance, and Care in Bronze

The Good Shepherd is a profoundly moving work - a handcrafted bronze sculpture by artisans of the Mossi people of Burkina Faso, depicting a shepherd who holds a lamb with quiet tenderness and serene assurance. Universal in its emotional language yet deeply rooted in Mossi cultural traditions around pastoral life, community care, and the values of protection and stewardship, this sculpture speaks across cultural boundaries with remarkable warmth and immediacy.

Bronze of Exceptional Quality

Cast from high-quality bronze and worked with meticulous attention to surface detail, The Good Shepherd rewards close inspection. The shepherd's clothing, facial expression, and the soft form of the lamb cradled in his arms are rendered with a naturalistic sensitivity that elevates this piece well beyond the decorative. The warm, honeyed tones of the bronze deepen with shifting light, making the sculpture a living presence in any space. At 15 kg and 67 cm tall, it is a substantial and commanding work.

A Mossi Tradition

Among the Mossi people of Burkina Faso - the same culture that produced the celebrated Princess Yennenga sculpture in our collection - livestock and farming are central to both practical life and cultural identity. The shepherd who tends his animals with care embodies values of responsibility and compassion that resonate far beyond Burkina Faso, making The Good Shepherd a piece with universal emotional and spiritual resonance.

• Country of Origin: Burkina Faso
• Tribe: Mossi
• Artist: Traditional artisan
• Material: Bronze
• Dimensions: 67 cm x 27 cm x 25 cm
• Weight: 15.0 kg

Care Instructions

Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth. Keep away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture. A soft wax polish can be applied once or twice a year to maintain the surface. Never use abrasive cleaners, which will damage the patina.

Shipping

For large items like this one, please contact us before purchasing to receive a shipping quote. Oversized pieces are shipped via sea freight. We ship worldwide - visit ourShipping & Delivery page for full details.

Authenticity

Every piece in the Rogl collection is carefully selected through six decades of direct relationships with African artists and communities. New to collecting African art? Read our guide:The Complete Guide to Collecting African Art.

Explore

Learn more
Starting Your African Art Collection: A Guide to Small Sculptures