Large Dogon Ladder, Mali

Large Dogon Ladder, Mali
height 100 1/2in (255.25cm)

Large ladders enabled the Dogon to get to their elevated granaries and traditional cliff dwellings. The windowless dwellings had only one entrance and a hole in the roof. The ladder was used by the family of the home to climb to the flat roof, used for storage, living, and sleeping when the weather was appropriate.

Carved from one piece of very hard wood, the surface of this monumental ladder has been worn smooth through years of contact with hands and feet, giving it a beautiful, glossy patina on the steps. This example is very old and cannot be compared with other modern versions.