Skip to main content

Door lock

20th century, 1950–2000
Object PlaceMali
Medium/TechniqueWood, iron
DimensionsOverall: 37 x 6 x 6 cm (14 9/16 x 2 1/2 x 2 3/8 in.)
Credit LineGift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession number2009.2676
On View
Not on view
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Description
This lock, once attached to the door of a house, granary, or poultry shelter, is an exquisite small carving with meanings derived from Bamana esoteric knowledge. It alludes to Komo, a power association that imparts its secret knowledge to its male members. A stylized rendering of the distinct Komo headdress (bamada) tops the figure's heads. The tapering body recalls the head of a python, symbolizing the creator god.
Provenance1954, sold by Jacqueline Nicaud of the Galerie Burgui, Paris, to Geneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)
Artist Unidentified
20th century
Door lock
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Door lock
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
"Moon" box (ngondo)
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Vessel
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Group shot: 2009.2689-91
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Group shot: 2009.2689-91
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Group shot: 2009.2689-91
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Spoon
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Bowl on a base
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Game board
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000
Kola nut tray (okwa oji)
Artist Unidentified
20th century, 1950–2000