Dogon Wood Door Lock

A diamond-shaped head crowns a case scored with crossing lines.

This door lock is Dogon, from Mali or Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved wood. Across Dogon country, locks of this kind were fixed to granaries and houses, and their carved finials vary from abstract forms to animals and people. This one is topped by a small diamond, incised with chevrons. The flat case below is decorated with large crossed diamonds and has two small openings. The bolt is broad and squared, incised with more diagonals. The wood is pale brown and softly worn. It is 12.5 inches wide and 12 high.

Clean geometry, fit for keeping things in their place.