About this object

The Dogon live in the arid regions of southwest Mali and Burkina Faso. They store their staple crops, mostly grains, and also frequently their valuables, in large granaries, which have heavy and sometimes beautifully-carved doors. The granaries were often elevated to keep away thieves and vermin. In order to reach the door, people had to use a ladder, which was made from a forked tree and notches were made in the wood that were used as steps. Though such ladders are seen in many parts of Africa, Dogon ladders are the best-known and are appreciated because of their elegant abstract designs.

Miniature ladders, such as this one, closely resemble the full-size ladders, except they do not show signs of wear. According to some sources, these small ladders were associated with the spirits of the ancestors who, it is said, climbed the ladder to reach the ancestors’ altar that would be located on the roof of the house.