Echelle

Description

wood, base

The shape of the tree trunk is still recognizable. Seven steps have been hammered into it. Tree ladders are first and foremost utilitarian objects, and have a simple and practical design.

They were used to access the upper levels of granaries, climb onto the flat roofs of houses, and bridge clefts in cliffs.

Although these ladders were used by many ethnic groups in southern West Africa, they are most commonly associated with the Dogon.