This very old door lock represents in an abstract form the tail of the black scorpion (dyonkomi), sacred animal for the Bamana. In the past, the representation of « prohibited » animals, like the scorpion, was regarded as the sign of a great protective force.

Wooden door locks 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.

18^th / 19^th century.

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