Description

This Dogon granary or dwelling door bolt is adorned by a stylized antelope with prominent and massive horns.
The antelope, ‘walu’ is often depicted on Dogon door bolts as it is an important symbol in the myth of creation. The antelope appears amongst the plants and animals that were born from the flow of the blood of the sacrificed Nommo, the mythical ancestors of the Dogon.
The field of the bolt is adorned with a wavy zig-zag pattern representing the ‘ginna’ or family dwelling, the waves symbolize water.
The cross-bolt is covered with a criss-cross design believed to represent rain, the lower portion of cut out space divided by five legs is said to symbolize the pond, source of life.
The rear of the bolt is fitted with three movable pins, these drop at the release of a latch, thus securing the bolt, these however, have been lost with time. The door lock is complete with its original cross-bolt.
Rich usage patina notable at sides of body of lock, very nice overall patina, mid 20th century – Collected in the Dogon Cliffs, Mali.

Dimensions: 33 cm (13″) high-31 cm (12 1/4″) with cross-bolt
Weight: 780 grams