{"product_id":"rare-high-relief-sculptural-crocodile-door-trade","title":"Rare High Relief Sculptural Crocodile Door (Trade)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 56.5-inch door (67.5 inches including its upper pivot finial) is a monumental single-slab piece from the Dogon or Gurunsi tradition of Mali and Burkina Faso, hand-hewn from one solid 2-inch-thick hardwood slab with an upper pivot finial and lower pivot pin rather than separate metal hinges. A massive, fully sculptural crocodile runs nearly the full length of the door in high relief, with angled limbs, a tapered snout, circular eyes, and raised vertebral ridges down its spine, crossed at the midsection by a functioning horizontal slide-bolt lock built directly into the figure. The outer border carries triple-nested carved triangular sawtooth bands retaining traces of red, white, and black pigment. This is a substantial, sculptural door with real architectural presence, well suited to an entryway, a stairwell landing, or as a standalone anchor piece where the crocodile figure and lock can be seen in full from a few feet back. The combination of a functioning integrated lock, a fully sculptural guardian figure, and surviving painted borders makes this one of the more complete examples in this collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Origin: Dogon or Gurunsi (Nuna) tradition, Mali \/ Burkina Faso\u003cbr\u003e*Era: Early 20th century\u003cbr\u003e*Material: Hand-carved solid hardwood, single monolithic slab\u003cbr\u003e*Finish: Aged patina with traces of red, white, and black pigment in the border carving\u003cbr\u003e*Dimensions: 24\"W x 2\"D x 67.5\"H overall (door panel itself 56.5\"H, excluding pivot finial)\u003cbr\u003e*Condition: Genuine antique wear, structurally stable, original single-slab construction, pivot lugs, and integrated slide-bolt lock intact\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA monumental antique Dogon or Gurunsi door from Mali or Burkina Faso, carved with a full-length sculptural crocodile guardian and a functioning integrated slide-bolt lock, bordered by triangular sawtooth carving with traces of red, white, and black pigment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: What is the meaning of the 3D crocodile and painted sawtooth border on this granary door?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe crocodile represents the sacred water spirit Nommo, embodying rain, fertility, and ancestral defense. The surrounding triangular sawtooth border, painted with natural mineral pigments, represents the sacred chevron path of water and ancestral vitality, while the integrated sliding lock physically and spiritually shields the family harvest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(Requires White Glove Delivery)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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\/p\u003e","brand":"DE-COR | Globally Inspired","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50549172175085,"sku":"IMG_6476","price":6295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0288\/5256\/files\/6476b.jpg?v=1787859624","url":"https:\/\/de-cor.com\/products\/rare-high-relief-sculptural-crocodile-door-trade","provider":"DE-COR | Globally Inspired","version":"1.0","type":"link"}