Dogon ladders, once purely functional, provided access to the flat rooftops of homes, which served as spaces for storage, living, and seasonal sleeping. Miniature versions, though closely resembling their full-sized counterparts, were solely spiritual in purpose. Placed on domestic altars, these shrine or spirit ladders symbolised the soul’s ascent to the afterlife, allowing the deceased to join their ancestors.

Dogon, Mali, West Africa
Wood, 52 cm

Price:  €  650,-