Barn Gate

Across almost all of Africa, well-stocked granaries represent material wealth, security and well-being. They are usually raised above the ground: small adobe silos on stilts for storing food, reached by a short ladder. These stores vary in size and hold dried or smoked meat, cereals, shea, substances for magic and divination, and any other food or substance important to the granary’s owner.

Like other symbols of wealth and power, they often bear artistic engravings or sculptures. Beauty is inseparable from usefulness. As is customary in African ornamentation, the decoration of doors and locks conveys a message, proverb, piece of advice or other teaching. In a world dominated by symbolism, few doors use a key or lock: a key or lock is not needed to enter physically, but is needed to penetrate the message. Some ethnic groups, such as the Dogon or Bambara, disable or remove the bolt to desacralise them so they can be sold to tourists or art dealers.

This door bears the face of a Mukuyi mask in relief above a snake. Dark patina.