Museum Quality Antique Crocodile Dogon Door

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Attributed to the late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1890s–1920s), this authentic 71-inch architectural door is a masterwork from … Read more Attributed to the late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1890s–1920s), this authentic 71-inch architectural door is a masterwork from the Dogon people of the Bandiagara Escarpment in Mali. Historically guarding a high-ranking family granary or sacred ancestral sanctuary, the door features a powerful sculptural program dedicated to the primordial water spirit Nommo. The composition centers on a monumental high-relief crocodile (Bamba) spanning the entire vertical axis, flanked by four climbing guardian lizards carved in deep three-dimensional projection.

Fitted directly through the midsection of the central crocodile is an authentic functional sliding timber cross-bolt lock. Hand-carved from solid indigenous African hardwood, the vertical planks are joined on the reverse by three heavy horizontal timber bracing cleats secured with iron studs and retain intact upper and lower architectural pivot lugs. Over a century of desert exposure, smoke curing, and ritual use has imparted a deeply weathered dark charcoal-espresso patina with expressive wood grain textures. Measuring nearly six feet tall, its sculptural presence and functional slide latch make it an exceptional collector-grade statement piece for entryways, great rooms, and premier African art collections.

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