Used to protect houses and granaries, Dogon doorlocks range from the abstract and symbolic to representations of ancestors. Gravity-fed metal pins drop into holes in the sliding bolt, some of which also have a metal cover for additional strength and resistence to wear. Locks such as these were afixed with large iron staples through holes to house doors, which were usually plainer than the famous carved granary doors. Placing an image of an ancestor on the doorlock offered additional protection by making the door sacrosanct.
The doorlock isbeen mounted on a metal base which is included in the price.