Dogon Wood Ladder, Mali, Based

A forked tree trunk, notched for climbing. Nothing else was needed.

Dogon people of Mali, West Africa, made this ladder in wood in the early 20th century. Ladders of this one-piece, notched type are commonly used to reach granaries and rooftops. The upper end forks into a pair of arms, and the long trunk below is cut into steps, which are shaped with an adze. The wood is dark and polished from use, with a deep brown, almost chocolate surface and splits that run along the grain.

About 56 inches tall. Lean it in a corner and call it sculpture.