West Africa, Burkina Faso, Lobi culture, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden ladder with a smooth patina, shaped from a naturally forked tree trunk or branch. Notches are cut into the frontside to create short steps. This ladder is beautifully preserved, and the wood has developed a lustrous smooth surface, especially in the top crook that acts as a natural and ideal handhold. Traditional Lobi homes were accessed by ladders to the roof and additional ladders that led into the interior sleeping quarters. This ladder may have been for interior use because of how well preserved it is! Size: 19" W x 63.5" H (48.3 cm x 161.3 cm); 64.5" H (163.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Amyas Naegele collection, New York, USA

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#159619

Chips and abrasions with stable fissures as expected with age and use. Base of the ladder has chips and losses. Smooth patina on frontside step area.