Bamana Door Lock Mali

A wooden door lock attributed to the Bamana. This example shows much handling and good age. The lock still fits together snugly.

Bamana door locks consist of two components: a stationary vertical element, often adorned with abstract or figurative carvings, attached to the door using iron staples, and a horizontal wooden piece that slides through the vertical element. Iron teeth on the horizontal piece secure the door by engaging with small holes, while the door's pointed corners act as hinges. A sculpted wooden lock keeps the door closed, and a small key lifts the iron pegs to unlock it. The face carved on the lock follows the distinctive Bamana style, reminiscent of figures representing ancestors crucial for protection against malevolent spirits and sorcery, essential for safeguarding the space. The sliding bar for locking aligns just behind the vertical part, completing the intricate and functional design of these culturally significant door locks.

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