Dogon slot - Dogon

This object is an antique Dogon door lock from Mali, West Africa.
These wooden locks, known as ta koguru, were used to secure doors of houses and granaries. It is handmade from wood and contains hand-forged metal components for the locking mechanism and the fastener. The form and carving possibly depict a mythical ancestor or protective figure, which also gives the lock a spiritual significance.

The key to the lock is missing; with a custom-made wooden peg with 4 well-placed pins inserted into the slot, is it able to be opened (or by holding it upside down, but that can only be done if it stands loose as it does now)

The lock is part of a family collection of African art and was delivered around 1970 via the Hague artist Fieret, probably originating from the mission.

Height: 34.5 cm
Width: 24 cm
Depth: 5 cm
Base: 12.5 x 10 cm
Weight: 920 grams