Dogon Wood Ladder, Mali, Based

One tree, one fork, and a way up.

Dogon carvers of Mali, West Africa, made this ladder in wood in the early 20th century. Dogon ladders are traditionally cut from a single trunk, with notched steps, and are used to reach granaries and rooftops. The upper end splits into a Y, one arm ending in a small knobbed stub. Below, the trunk is cut with rough, stepped notches. The wood is dark, rough and heavily weathered, with deep cracks and lighter patches where hands and feet have worn it. A slim black base keeps it upright.

About 64 inches tall. Goes nowhere, impressively.