Dogon Granary Lock (Bò dágá) Crocodile shape

This captivating Dogon granary lock, crafted from aged wood, embodies the artistic traditions and symbolic language of the Dogon people of Mali. Shaped in the form of a powerful crocodile, this lock transcends its utilitarian purpose and serves as a window into the Dogon belief system.

A hand carved wooden granary door lock in the form of a crocodile or lizard with warm patina resulting from age and use. The reptilian creature presents an abstract form with a pronounced head, outstretched limbs with incised claws, and a skillfully carved body with an incised cross-hatched pattern across its back. Door locks are found in Bamana and Dogon societies in many different styles; They are typically the bolt case found on wooden doors adorning granaries. In addition, these locks have been offered as traditional bridal gifts. Bò dágá (called anuan in some sources) — meaning 'grabbed on the door' — were also often found securing houses and shrines. 

Distinguishing Features

• Made of three pieces
  • Vertical beam
  • Cross beam that slides into cut-out rectangle in back of vertical beam
  • Wooden toothbrush-like key that slides into hollowed part of crossbeam
• Vertical beam often decorated with animal or human figures and geometric patterns in low relief
• Ancestral spirits often represented by male and female pair carved in relief on the door lock on on top of lock

Expected surface wear with scuffs, chips, abrasions commensurate with age and use. The wood has developed a warm patina resulting from age and use.