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Old Wooden Decorative Bamana Storage Room Lock

$488.53
£360.13
€410
CA$668.84
A$741.80
CHF 389.56
MX$9,109.79
NOK 4,931.40
SEK 4,650.37
DKK 3,120.23
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About the Item

An old classic Bamana lock , decorated with engraved lines, representing antilope horns ,legs bent appearing at the bottom and a beautiful dark patina attesting to its long use. Private collection Brussels These door locks were generally used to protect houses and granaries.Bamana doorlocks range from the abstract and symbolic to representations of ancestors. They are usually larger and more figurative than those of their Dogon neighbors.The design of the door lock represents among many things a person or myth or story. Door locks were given as gifts to young brides .They were passed down from generation to generation. The locks tended to be given names according to the message, ancestor or story to which their form and motifs referred. The form of and motifs employed in door locks usually are invested with symbolic messages despite their formal simplicity. These messages, both in abstract and representational imagery, can be deeply personal. The stylized figure is usually a representation of an ancestor whose presence is required to ensure protection from bad spirits or sorcery. An addition of animal representation enhances the power of the ancestors and therefore provides additional protection.The door locks are composed of two parts: one is a fixed vertical element which is most often carved with abstract, human or animal form fixed to the door with iron staples. The second part of the door lock is a horizontal wooden piece that slides through the vertical piece where iron teeth would fall into small holes locking the door. The doors had pointed corners that served as hinges and a sculpted wooden lock to keep it closed. A small key would lift the iron pegs to open the door. The sliding locking bar passed just behind the vertical part. All of these doorlocks have been mounted on metal bases which are included in the price.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.42 in (29 cm)Width: 10.24 in (26 cm)Depth: 1.58 in (4 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    20th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
  • Seller Location:
    Leuven , BE
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 25671stDibs: LU3301134355182

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