Dogon Wood Ladder, Mali, Based

Pitted, pale and pleasantly weathered, like driftwood that kept its job.

This Dogon ladder of Mali, West Africa, was made in wood in the early 20th century. A forked trunk, shaped with a few cuts for footholds, is the classic form, and such ladders commonly give access to granary stores. The wood here is a dry, chalky gray-beige, marked with small holes and rough, lifting grain. The fork opens to a clean Y, while the trunk twists gently toward a modest black foot.

About 59 inches tall. Texture first, utility second, conversation always.