{"product_id":"museum-quality-antique-crocodile-dogon-door-trade","title":"Museum Quality Antique Crocodile Dogon Door (Trade)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAttributed to the late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1890s–1920s), this authentic 71-inch architectural door is a masterwork from the Dogon people of the Bandiagara Escarpment in Mali. Historically guarding a high-ranking family granary or sacred ancestral sanctuary, the door features a powerful sculptural program dedicated to the primordial water spirit Nommo. The composition centers on a monumental high-relief crocodile (Bamba) spanning the entire vertical axis, flanked by four climbing guardian lizards carved in deep three-dimensional projection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFitted directly through the midsection of the central crocodile is an authentic functional sliding timber cross-bolt lock. Hand-carved from solid indigenous African hardwood, the vertical planks are joined on the reverse by three heavy horizontal timber bracing cleats secured with iron studs and retain intact upper and lower architectural pivot lugs. Over a century of desert exposure, smoke curing, and ritual use has imparted a deeply weathered dark charcoal-espresso patina with expressive wood grain textures. Measuring nearly six feet tall, its sculptural presence and functional slide latch make it an exceptional collector-grade statement piece for entryways, great rooms, and premier African art collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Origin: Dogon tradition, Bandiagara Escarpment, Mali, West Africa\u003cbr\u003e*Era: Late 19th to early 20th century (c. 1890s–1920s)\u003cbr\u003e*Material: Hand-carved solid indigenous African hardwood, iron fittings\u003cbr\u003e*Finish: Deep weathered smoke-cured dark charcoal-espresso patina, carved high-relief face, reverse braced with horizontal timber cleats \u003cbr\u003e*Dimensions: 28\"W x 1\"D x 71\"H (5'11\" H x 2'4\" W)\u003cbr\u003e*Condition: Genuine antique wear and surface patina, structurally stable, original two-plank joinery, functional sliding timber lock, and rear cleats intact\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ:What is the spiritual significance of the crocodile and sliding lock on this Dogon door?  A: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe crocodile (Bamba) represents the primordial water spirit Nommo, symbolizing fertility, life-giving rain, and ancestral defense. The high-relief lizards act as vigilant sentinels, while the sliding timber lock (Koro) physically and spiritually secures the granary harvest against theft and negative forces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e(Requires White Glove Delivery)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e • **Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"DE-COR | Globally Inspired","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50516639449325,"sku":"IMG_6346","price":8445.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0288\/5256\/files\/6346b.jpg?v=1787351906","url":"https:\/\/de-cor.com\/products\/museum-quality-antique-crocodile-dogon-door-trade","provider":"DE-COR | Globally Inspired","version":"1.0","type":"link"}