
Description
A wooden doorlock from the Bambara tribe of Mali.
Wooden door locks (ta koguru) were used on the doors of dwellings, cookhouses, sanctuaries, and on granary shutters. Each lock is given a name in accordance with its message, person, myth, or any anecdote referred to. Door locks were a prized gift for young brides, and passed down from generation to generation. Sculpted by the blacksmith of the village for the hogon (spiritual chief) and notables, door locks are one of the major elements of Bambara art. Apart from its rarity and its finely construction, this door lock is the work of a great sculptor. Good condition with a great patina of use.
Object
Door lock
Ethnic group:
Bambara
Country:
Mali
Material:
Wood
Estimated period:
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:
No
Dimensions:
30x28x5 cm
Weight:
850 gram
Condition:
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Reserve: $70.00
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $39.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from The Netherlands
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Wooden door locks (ta koguru) were used on the doors of dwellings, cookhouses, sanctuaries, and on granary shutters. Each lock is given a name in accordance with its message, person, myth, or any anecdote referred to. Door locks were a prized gift for young brides, and passed down from generation to generation. Sculpted by the blacksmith of the village for the hogon (spiritual chief) and notables, door locks are one of the major elements of Bambara art. Apart from its rarity and its finely construction, this door lock is the work of a great sculptor. Good condition with a great patina of use.
Object
Door lock
Ethnic group:
Bambara
Country:
Mali
Material:
Wood
Estimated period:
Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:
No
Dimensions:
30x28x5 cm
Weight:
850 gram
Condition:
Good condition, used with some signs of wear
Reserve: $70.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Door lock – Wood – Bambara – Mali
Estimate $80-$100
Bidding starts
Coming Soon
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
Decorative Tribal Art Sale
Feb 26, 2026 1:00 PM ESTNew York, NY, United States
TOP




















