Information
Hardwood with a dark coating
H 64 cm
Barn door lock.
Region: valley of the river Niger, south of Bamako.
The body of a female figure is decorated with a deep series of geometric engravings.
H 64 cm
Barn door lock.
Region: valley of the river Niger, south of Bamako.
The body of a female figure is decorated with a deep series of geometric engravings.
Provenance
- Former private collection (Lugano);
Exhibition
- Lugano 2002, Palazzo Riva, Banca Svizzera Italiana (BSI);
Literature
Reproduced in:
- VENTURI LUCA M. “Anime antiche, arte negra, da una raccolta di sculture dell’Africa occidentale” BSI Bank, Lugano 2002, fig. 2;
- VARIOUS AUTHORS “Bamana: The art of existence in Mali” Museum Rietberg Zurich, Editor Calleyn J. P. 2001, pages 59 - 65;
- VENTURI LUCA M. “Anime antiche, arte negra, da una raccolta di sculture dell’Africa occidentale” BSI Bank, Lugano 2002, fig. 2;
- VARIOUS AUTHORS “Bamana: The art of existence in Mali” Museum Rietberg Zurich, Editor Calleyn J. P. 2001, pages 59 - 65;
These ingenious locks, very popular with the Dogon and Bambara people, were used to close the doors of houses and barns. They were attached to the door with iron cables. The closing mechanism is constructed from pieces of iron bolts – of which one remains – which was raised with a rudimentary iron bar. The key, inserted into the designated slot, unlatched the opening mechanism.
Condition report
To request a Condition Report, please contact arteafricana@finarte.it
The department will provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that what Finarte declares with respect to the state of conservation of the objects corresponds only to a qualified opinion and that we are not professional conservators or restorers.
We urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. We always suggest prospective buyers to inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition during the exhibition days as indicated in the catalog.