Granary door ·  Mali, Dogon · ID: 3033726

Description

wood, slightly encrusted brown patina, two wooden planks, joined by metal clamps, projecting pivots at the top and bottom that are set into depressions on the sill and lintel, the front carved with small figures in two rows, the lock complete with bolt, min. dam., minor missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, slight traces of abrasion;
granaries outnumber almost all other types of buildings in Dogon villages, demonstrating the importance of preserving crops produced with the hard labor required in such a rocky landscape. Every family has several granaries, one for each of the wives and the rest for the head of the family, in which are stored millet, sorghum, rice, corn, beans etc. Personal valuables and family altars are sometimes also stored in granaries.

Comparing literature

Laude, Jean, African Art of the Dogon, New York 1973, ill. 74