{"product_id":"vintage-dogon-door-lock-ta-koro-crocodile-antelope-carved-wood-mali-african-21","title":"Vintage Dogon Door Lock Ta Koro Crocodile Antelope Carved Wood Mali African 21\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Powerful and Abstract Masterpiece of Spiritual and Physical Protection\u003cbr\u003eThis is an authentic and striking VINTAGE Dogon door lock from the Bandiagara Escarpment of Mali – one of the most iconic and spiritually charged objects in all of West African art. Known as ta koro (the vertical lock body) and ta dagu (the horizontal sliding bolt), these ingenious hardwood mechanisms were far more than security devices: they were sacred guardians that protected homes, granaries, and shrines from both thieves and malevolent spirits.\u003cbr\u003eThis lock is a superb example of classic Dogon sculptural tradition, noted for its bold, highly abstract zoomorphic form and profound symbolic depth.\u003cbr\u003eCULTURAL AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE\u003cbr\u003eDogon door locks were carved by the sacred blacksmith-sculptor caste (hogon or numu) and placed on the most important buildings in the village.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpiritual Guardian: The vertical element is interpreted as a protective ancestor or powerful bush animal whose presence wards off sorcery and evil.\u003cbr\u003eZoomorphic Abstraction: This lock strongly evokes a crocodile (symbol of primordial water and protection) or antelope (vigilance and the bush). The dramatic upward-curving “horns” or spikes are a classic Dogon motif representing strength, alertness, and the primordial couple.\u003cbr\u003eCosmic Symbolism: The union of the vertical (female) and horizontal (male) elements mirrors the Dogon myth of creation and fertility – the lock becomes a miniature cosmogram ensuring harmony and continuity.\u003cbr\u003eNyama Power: The dense incised geometric patterns amplify the object’s nyama (life force), making it a true power object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eItem Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCulture: Dogon People, Bandiagara Escarpment, Mali\u003cbr\u003eType: Traditional Door Lock (Ta Koro \u0026amp; Ta Dagu)\u003cbr\u003eForm: Highly abstract zoomorphic crocodile\/antelope with dramatic upward spikes, mounted on a modern metal display base\u003cbr\u003eMedium: Hand-carved dense hardwood with intricate incised decoration and deep, mellow old patina\u003cbr\u003eDimensions (as displayed): Height 21\" (max) × Width 15\" (max across bolt) × Depth 2\"\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Excellent vintage field-used condition. Rich, dry patina with heavy wear from generations of use; stable old cracks; the two pieces remain functional and tightly interlocked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA museum-quality Dogon masterpiece that embodies cosmic protection and ancestral wisdom – one of the finest traditional door locks to appear on the market. Additional photos and video of the mechanism available on request.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049640751390,"sku":"BA-1112","price":199.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/il_fullxfull.7435638580_sotn.jpg?v=1790372309","url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/products\/vintage-dogon-door-lock-ta-koro-crocodile-antelope-carved-wood-mali-african-21","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}