![](https://vmfa-dmz-new.piction.com/piction/ump.di?e=56EC37EF8D628C2F5CA74B81C87BB54B99AC96E32325C704AFADCF5728B9DB05&s=21&se=1618128786&v=1&f=xx97_115_v1_KW_201008_o7.jpg)
Ladder (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
The Dogon and other people living in the arid regions of Mali and Burkina Faso create ladders by notching steps into the trunk of a tree that has extremely hard wood. In the dry climate, the wood virtually lasts forever. The maker carefully selects atree with a forked trunk so the ladder will be stable when leaned against a wall to provide access to the roof of a house or the upper section of a granary.
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Lorenz
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.