ClassificationsAfrican Art

Granary Door

Place CreatedBandiagara, Mali, Africa

CultureDogon

Date20th Century

MediumWood

Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. Pascal James Imperato

Dimensions27 1/4 x 18 1/4 x 5/8 in. (69.2 x 46.4 x 1.6 cm)

Object number2011.002.001

Label TextMany art objects are created to protect the boundaries between sacred and secular space. This Dogon door served such a function, in its case, to literally and metaphorically protect the food contained within the granary it secured. Attached to the door is a sculpted wooden lock, surmounted by two seated figures representing the twins of Amma Seru, one of several male and female sets of Dogon twin ancestors. According to tradition, the twins planted the first seeds that led to the development of Dogon civilization. Double-lined X designs incised across the lock represent a cultivated field. Called sidu ningela ningu, or hand weaving, the design links the mythical past with the present.
Exhibition HistoryMCCM Permanent Collection Installation, November 19, 2007 - March 7, 2013

ProvenanceEx coll. Dr. Pascal James Imperato, United States, collected in Mali, March 6, 1968.

Status

Not on view

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