Like the majority of the Bamana figures, door locks were traditionally sculpted by the blacksmiths. Blacksmiths belong to a caste of highest rank, they are at the same time Masters of fire (work of metal, and knowledge of melting points), and carve the major part of wooden objects.

This door lock represents a protective spirit of the family (guardian spirit), probably a lizard or a crocodile (called bama). In the past, the representation of « prohibited » animals was regarded as the sign of a great protective force. These animals could not be killed, eaten, nor even touched.
18^th / 19^th century.

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