Dogon Wood Ladder, Mali, Based

This ladder is the stocky one, thick through the trunk and warm in color.

A Dogon ladder from Mali, West Africa, carved in wood in the early 20th century. Dogon ladders are traditionally cut from one forked tree trunk, with shallow steps notched into the trunk, and are commonly used to reach granaries and roofs. This example is broad and sturdy, its fork lifting in a loose Y. The wood has gone amber and tobacco brown, with a rough, flaking surface on the upper section and deep cracks along the lower. A black base keeps it upright.

About 53 inches tall. Heft you can feel from across the room.