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This Dogon granary door lock is surmounted by a slender-shaped bird.
It would be both a stork (associated with the rainy season and the
fertility of growing) and the representation of the ostrich
(ogotanala). The latter is known for its zigzag course when
running. This zigzagging is symbolic of the lebe snake because
it replicates his movements. These bird's and snake's movements are
also similar to those of the nommo as they fell to earth in
the form of rain. Lebe, or lebe serou, symbolizes the
Earth and the first hogon (spiritual and temporal leader of
the Dogon). Part human and part supernatural, metamorphosed into a
snake (it is in this form that lebe is believed to exist
today), lebe introduced death to the world. He visits the
hogon, licks his body, and in so doing gives him and all
humanity the strength to live. For the Dogon, lebe is the
mainspring of germination and the source of vital life force. The
chevrons engraved on the left side of the bolt symbolize both the
lebe snake and the fertilizing rain.
This remarkable door lock, with both pure and harmonious forms, was
probably used on the shutter of a granary belonging to the
lebe sanctuary.
19th century.
Origin : Private collection, Paris
Origin :
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Mali (Bandiagara cliffs)
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Type :
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Door locks
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Ethnic group :
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Dogon
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Material :
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Wood, beautiful and aged patina
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Size :
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H = 8.3 inches
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