Accession Number
2003/2.44.1

Title
Door Lock

Artist(s)
Bamana

Artist Nationality
Bamana

Medium & Support
wood with white pigment

Dimensions
13 3/4 in x 2 3/4 in x 2 1/4 in (35 cm x 7 cm x 5.8 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Daniel and Sandra Mato

Label copy
9/10/2004
Note the human form of the door lock; utalitarian objects like this were sometimes given human form in order to enhance their "eye-cathing" appeal (cf. Ezra 1986:13-4).
9/24/2004
According to Imperato's extensive work on Bamana doorlocks, "the Bamana view doors and locks not only as functional objects, but also as spiritual ones that form part of their comprehensive effort to control sorcery and other malevolent forces and beings" (Imperato 2001:32).
Bamana door locks used to be made by blacksmiths, an endogamous social group known for its spiritual knowledge. In the latter decades of the twentieth century, however, the intricately sculpted locks have fallen out of use (Imperato 2001:35-8).
In discussing a very similar lock, Imperato interprets the elliptical structure behind the figure's head as a stylized rendering of the "bamada" hat worn by Bamana elders and leaders of the Komo, an important secret association for men. Thus the lock could symbolize the Komo's powers, particularly its powers to combat sorcery. The stylized "bamada" is also in itself a powerful anti-sorcery symbol. In line with the interpretation that this lock represents the power of the Komo organization is the fact that the face lacks a mouth, and that it has a prominent, powerful neck.
(Source: Imperato 2001:56-61)

Primary Object Classification
Sculpture

Collection Area
African

Rights
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