Dogon Wood Door Lock

A pointed iron-gray head, a long bolt and a strip of hide still holding the parts together.

This door lock is Dogon, from Mali or Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved wood. Dogon locks secure doors to granaries and houses with a sliding bolt, and their upright parts are often carved with figures or emblems. This one is pared down: an arrowhead shape tops the vertical case, which is smooth and rounded, with holes for mounting. The horizontal bolt passes through it, notched at one end. A band of hide or cord wraps the joint. It is 17 inches wide and 16.75 high.

Simple, sturdy, and still on duty.