Lock - Mali (No reserve price)

Among the Dogon or the Bambara, agriculture plays a central role and the granary is a symbol of wealth, abundance, and security. The doors and locks of these granaries are richly decorated. Thus, beyond its simple functional aspect, the Dogon, Bambara, or Mossi lock carries a whole symbolism that must be discovered. In a sense, one must find the key to its meaning! The Dogon who offer one of their locks for sale frequently remove the bolt (or latch). The lock, thus rendered unusable and desacralized, becomes a very beautiful decorative object.