The Bamana and Dogon people used locks decorated with symbols, people or animals to protect their granaries and homes. This Bamana-made lock likely was made to resemble an ancestor, making the door sacrosanct and thereby boosting its protection. The antique door lock is mounted on a metal base. Bamana Doorlock 4 (21 inches by 17.25 inches), $1,000. http://www.hamillgallery.com

Beginning in the 19th century, Czech-made beads constituted a form of trade in western Africa. Mali brides traditionally are given a strand of vibrant glass beads, sometimes called don don sole beads, to wear on their wedding day. These antique tear-shaped wedding beads are strung on a 28-inch raffia strand, holding about 100 beads. Old Transparent Mali Wedding Beads, $60. http://www.happymangobeads.com

Djembe drum craftsmen collect hard log rounds to carve and dry, creating a deep, round bowl and straight trumpet that they cover with tough Mali goat skin. With that, these tough drums can create their distinctive dry, clear tones. This drum is carved with images of four rocky rivers at its base. Professional Djembe Khadi Guenou Wood, $375. http://www.hawkdancing.com

For centuries, Mali’s Bamana artisans used plant juice, tea and clay to create hand-woven, hand-dyed bogolan, or mud cloth. Legend has it that a hunter’s wife first created the earth-toned, bold patterns after being unable to remove a mud stain on her husband’s tunic. This table runner, a fair trade adaptation of the cloth, is handmade in Mali. Contemporary

Mudcloth African Table Runner, $72. http://www.culturalelements.com