Info For You Lot Dogon People: Africa`S Ancient Gifted Astronomy Tribe
The precise origin of the Dogon, like those of many other ancient cultures, is undetermined. Their civilization merely emerged, inward much the same fashion equally ancient Sumer too Ancient Egypt. 
Dogon people
The early on histories are informed yesteryear oral traditions that differ according to the Dogon clan being consulted too archaeological earthworks much to a greater extent than of which needs to live conducted.
Because of these inexact too incomplete sources, at that spot are a issue of different versions of the Dogon's origin myths equally good equally differing accounts of how they got from their ancestral homelands to the Bandiagara region. The people telephone band themselves 'Dogon' or 'Dogom', but inward the older literature they are most ofttimes called 'Habe', a Fulbe word meaning 'stranger' or 'pagan'.
Dogon adult man weaving a fabric (Its believe that Dogons were originators of Kente weaving technic inward ancient time.)
Dogon Kente on display
Certain theories advise the tribe to live of ancient Egyptian descent. They adjacent migrated to Libya, too then somewhere inward the regions of Republic of Guinea or Mauritania. Around 1490 AD, fleeing invaders and/or drought, they migrated to the Bandiagara cliffs of cardinal Mali.
Carbon-14 dating techniques used on excavated remains found inward the cliffs signal that at that spot were inhabitants inward the part before the arrival of the Dogon. They were the Toloy culture of the 3rd to 2nd centuries BC, and the Tellem culture of the 11th to 15th centuries AD.
Dogon people pounding grains
There are 3 principal cults amidst the Dogon;
- The Awa is a cult of the dead, whose exercise is to reorder the spiritual forces disturbed yesteryear the decease of Nommo, a
mythological ancestor of corking importance to the Dogon.
Members of the Awa cult dance with ornate carved too painted masks during both funeral too decease anniversary ceremonies. There are 78 different types of ritual masks among the Dogon and their iconographic messages go beyond the aesthetic, into the realm of faith too philosophy.The primary exercise of Awa dance ceremonies is to Pb souls of the deceased to their lastly resting identify inward the household unit of measurement altars too to consecrate their passage to the ranks of the ancestors.
- The cult of Lebe, the basis God, is primarily concerned with the agricultural wheel too its main priest is called a
Hogon.
All Dogon villages have got a Lebe shrine whose altars have got bits of basis incorporated into them to encourage the continued fertility of the land.According to Dogon beliefs, the god Lebe visits the hogons every nighttime inward the form of a serpent and licks their skins inward monastic say to purify them too infuse them with life force.The hogons are responsible for guarding the purity of the soil too hence officiate at many agricultural ceremonies.
Nowadays, the Dogon blacksmiths forge mainly scrap metallic recuperated from old railway lines or automobile wrecks. So, footling yesteryear little, the long procedure of atomic issue 26 ore reduction, which demands a perfect noesis of transportation away too its temperatures, has been abandoned.
One of the lastly smelting was done inward Mali, inward 1995, yesteryear the Dogon blacksmiths. The lawsuit became the dependent land of a cinema which was entitled 'Inagina, The Last House of Iron'. Eleven blacksmiths, who silent take hold the secrets of this ancestral activity, agreed to perform a lastly smelt. They gathered to invoke the spirits.
They sunk a mine shaft, made charcoal, too built a furnace with basis too lumps of slag. The lastly furnace - or Inagina - pregnant literally the 'house of iron' gave nativity to 69 kilos of atomic issue 26 of fantabulous quality.
With this, the blacksmiths forged traditional tools intended for agriculture, the making of weapons, too jewelry for the Dogon people.
Youdiou Dances - During the Dama celebration, Youdiou villagers circle around 2 stilt dancers. The trip the lite fantastic toe too costumes copy the tingetange, a long-legged H2O bird. The dancers execute hard steps piece teetering high higher upward the crowd.
Youdiou Dances - During the Dama celebration, Youdiou villagers circle around 2 stilt dancers. The trip the lite fantastic toe too costumes copy the tingetange, a long-legged H2O bird. The dancers execute hard steps piece teetering high higher upward the crowd.
- The cult of Binu is a totemic exercise too it has complex associations with the Dogon's sacred places used for ancestor worship, spirit communication too agricultural sacrifices. Marcel Griaule and his colleagues came to believe that all the major Dogon sacred sites were related to episodes inward the Dogon myth of the creation of the world, in particular to a deity named Nommo.
Binu shrines house spirits of mythic ancestors who lived inward the legendary era before the appearance of decease amidst mankind. Binu spirits often brand themselves known to their descendants inward the shape of an animate existence that interceded on behalf of the clan during its founding or migration, thus becoming the clan's totem.
The priests of each Binu maintain the sanctuaries whose facades are ofttimes painted with graphic signs too mystic symbols. Sacrifices of blood too millet porridge the primary crop of the Dogon are made at the Binu shrines at sowing fourth dimension too whenever the intercession of the immortal ancestor is desired.
Through such rituals, the Dogon believe that the benevolent forcefulness of the ancestor is transmitted to them.
Kananga masks form geometric patterns too stand upward for the foremost human beings. The Dogon believe that the Dama dance creates a span into the supernatural world. Without the Dama dance, the dead cannot cross over into peace.
Their self-defense comes from their social solidarity which is based on a complex combination of philosophic too religious dogmas, the fundamental constabulary existence the worship of ancestors. Ritual masks too corpses are used for ceremonies too are kept inward caves. The Dogons are both Muslims too Animists.
A 'Togu Na' - 'House of Words' - stands in every Dogon village and marks the manlike someone social center. The depression ceiling, supported yesteryear carved or sculptured posts, prevents over zealous discussions from escalating into fights. Symbolic pregnant surrounds the Togu Na.
On the Gondo Plain, Togu Na pillars are carved out of Kile forest too ofttimes limited themes of fertility too procreation. Many of the carvings are of women's breasts, for equally a Dogon maxim says, "The thorax is 2nd only to God."
Unfortunately, collectors have got stolen some of the to a greater extent than intricately carved pillars, forcing hamlet elders to deface their Togu Na posts by chopping off portion of the sculpted wood. This mutilation of the sculpted pillars assures their safety.
Amaguime Dolu, a diviner inward the hamlet of Bongo, performs a ritual. He derives pregnant too makes predictions from grids too symbols inward the sand. At dusk, he draws a questions inward the sand for the sacred push clitoris a fast ane on to answer. The Dogon people believe the push clitoris a fast ane on has supernatural powers.
The Dogon may inquire questions such as: "Does the adult man I honey also honey me?" or "Should I take the task offering at the mission church?"
In the morning, the diviner volition read the push clitoris a fast ane on prints on the sand too brand interpretations. The push clitoris a fast ane on is sure to come upward because offerings of millet, milk too peanuts are made to this sacred animal.
According to Dogon mythology, Nommo was the foremost living existence created by Amma, the sky god too creator of the universe.
He shortly multiplied to go 6 pairs of twins. [This is a metaphor for our original 12-strand DNA. Our introduce physical deoxyribonucleic acid contains 2 strands which take hold the genetic codes for our physical evolvement.] One twin rebelled against the monastic say established by Amma, [This is a metaphor for ane source/soul splitting into 2 polarities - yin /yang, when it enters into the electro-magnectic energies of 3rd dimension] thereby destabilizing the universe. In monastic say to purify the cosmos too restore its order, Amma sacrificed some other of the Nommo, whose body was cutting upward too scattered throughout the universe. This distribution of the parts of the Nommo's body is seen equally the source for the proliferation of Binu shrines throughout the Dogon region.
The Dogon say that their astronomical noesis was given to them by the Nommo. The Dogon elder, Ogotemelli, describes them variously equally having the upper portion equally a adult man too the lower portion equally snake; or equally having a ram's caput with serpent body.
Author Robert Temple describes the Nommo as amphibious beings sent to basis from the Sirius star system for the do goodness of humankind. They hold off like Merfolk; Mermaids too Mermen. [Metaphor: amphibius - referring to the flow of the collective unconscious - creational source].
Author Robert Temple describes the Nommo as amphibious beings sent to basis from the Sirius star system for the do goodness of humankind. They hold off like Merfolk; Mermaids too Mermen. [Metaphor: amphibius - referring to the flow of the collective unconscious - creational source].
After the landing inward a infinite ship, something with 4 legs appeared too dragged the vessel to a hollow, which filled with H2O until the vessel floated inward it. The Dogon, call this spaceship 'Pelu Tolo' or 'Star of the Tenth Moon'. These aliens supposedly came from the Sirian star system. Their spaceship spiraled downward from the sky. It landed somewhere to the northeast of the Dogon's introduce homeland.
There was a corking dissonance too wind. The ship landed on 3 legs, skidded to a stop, scoring the ground. Four legs appeared too dragged the vessel to a hollow, which filled with H2O until the vessel floated.
At the same fourth dimension a novel star was seen inward the sky, which perhaps was a large infinite ship. The star was described by the Dogon as having a circle of reddish rays around it. This circle of rays was similar a spreading spot yet it silent remaining the same size.
There is a Dogon drawing of the spaceship hovering inward the sky, waiting for the Nommo who landed on the Earth. It represents 3 stages of 'Pelu Tolo' when it is spurting different amounts of blood or flames [as if it crash landed].
They called the Nommo 'Masters of the Water', 'The Monitors', 'The Teachers or Instructors', 'Saviors', too 'Spiritual Guardians'.
The Dogons believe their gods are already here.
At the same fourth dimension a novel star was seen inward the sky, which perhaps was a large infinite ship. The star was described by the Dogon as having a circle of reddish rays around it. This circle of rays was similar a spreading spot yet it silent remaining the same size.
There is a Dogon drawing of the spaceship hovering inward the sky, waiting for the Nommo who landed on the Earth. It represents 3 stages of 'Pelu Tolo' when it is spurting different amounts of blood or flames [as if it crash landed].
They called the Nommo 'Masters of the Water', 'The Monitors', 'The Teachers or Instructors', 'Saviors', too 'Spiritual Guardians'.
The Dogons believe their gods are already here.
by Ellie
The Dogons have a unique distinction. Supposedly when they left Arab Republic of Egypt too migrated to Republic of Mali where they brought with them sacred noesis inward the shape of oral traditions - perhaps handed downward yesteryear the ancient priests of Egypt. There are oral tradition nearly interaction with Amphibious Gods who came to basis from the star Sirius (now called Sirius A).
Dogon man, holding a sacred stick too artistic carvings.
The souls of children, teens too immature adults are ofttimes called Indigo Children - Children of the Blue Ray sense this. They are telekinetic sometimes moving objects - or bending objects with their minds.
Dogon tribe children
This collective unconscious is a computer program of grids. The Dogon draw grids. They sympathise the nature of our reality, based on an electromagnetic grid computer program that stores retentivity - The Matrix is the grids.
Following the pattern of the grids...... Dogon legend came with them from Arab Republic of Egypt based on the ancient religions too the mystery schoolhouse teachings of Isis too Osiris. It all begins inward the expanse that was Sumer - The Cradle of Civilization - but inward truth the expanse that environs the Great Pyramid. The Egyptian Goddess Isis is identified yesteryear the Egyptians with the star Sirius. The Dogons knew nearly Sirius long before modern adult man discovered the star system. Their religious tradition, dating dorsum to their Egyptian roots, was later imparted through Greek migratory patterns. The name Sirius was given yesteryear the ancient Greeks.
Planet basis has many metaphors, archetypes too symbols that assist us sympathise the nature of our creation. To this goal nosotros written report the heavens too celestial blueprints too the physical planet, to unravel secrets buried until it was time..... In the tardily 1930s, four Dogon priests shared their most of import hole-and-corner tradition with 2 French anthropologists, Marcel Griaule and Germain Dieterlen after they had spent an apprenticeship of 15 years living with the tribe.
These were hole-and-corner myths nearly the star Sirius, which is 8.6 lite years from the Earth.
The priests said that Sirius had a companion star that was invisible to the human eye. They also stated that:
Initially the anthropologists wrote it off publishing the data inward an obscure anthropological journal, because they didn't appreciate the astronomical importance of the information.
What they didn't know was that since 1844, astronomers had suspected that Sirius A had a companion star. This was inward portion determined when it was observed that the path of the star wobbled. In 1862 Alvan Clark discovered the 2nd star makingSirius a binary star system (two stars).
In the 1920's it was determined that Sirius B, the companion of Sirius, was a white dwarf star. White dwarfs are small, dense stars that transportation away dimly. The push clitoris of its gravity causes Sirius' wavy movement. Sirius B is smaller than planet Earth.
The Dogon name for Sirius B is Po Tolo. It agency star - tolo too smallest seed - po. Seed refers to creation. In this instance - human creation. By this call they describe the star's smallness. It is, they say, the smallest thing at that spot is. They also claim that it is the heaviest star too is white inward color. The Dogon thus attribute to Sirius B its 3 principal properties equally a white dwarf: small, heavy, white.
What they didn't know was that since 1844, astronomers had suspected that Sirius A had a companion star. This was inward portion determined when it was observed that the path of the star wobbled. In 1862 Alvan Clark discovered the 2nd star makingSirius a binary star system (two stars).
In the 1920's it was determined that Sirius B, the companion of Sirius, was a white dwarf star. White dwarfs are small, dense stars that transportation away dimly. The push clitoris of its gravity causes Sirius' wavy movement. Sirius B is smaller than planet Earth.
The Dogon name for Sirius B is Po Tolo. It agency star - tolo too smallest seed - po. Seed refers to creation. In this instance - human creation. By this call they describe the star's smallness. It is, they say, the smallest thing at that spot is. They also claim that it is the heaviest star too is white inward color. The Dogon thus attribute to Sirius B its 3 principal properties equally a white dwarf: small, heavy, white.
The earliest Egyptians believed Sirius - 'Sothis' - was the identify of souls that have got crossed over. This belief is also shared with the Dogon. Creation is linked to the Great Pyramid which links to Orion in the Kings Chamber (male) and to Sirius in the Queens Chamber (female), Isis.
Not far from the Pleaides, The Seven Sisters, the sky is similar a large giant map of messages, a blueprint, if you lot will, of creational patterns. Ancient civilizations named the planets too created myths nearly them, all linked to the heavens too gods who created humans too came to basis from the sky.
Isis too Osiris, Zeus too Hera, Amma and his woman someone counterpart. He had to have got ane equally this matrix too grid is all based on opposites - polarities - similar a magnetic (north too south).
Isis too Osiris, Zeus too Hera, Amma and his woman someone counterpart. He had to have got ane equally this matrix too grid is all based on opposites - polarities - similar a magnetic (north too south).
 |  |
The Star of Isis is called Sothis, or Sirius and is the brightest star inward our nighttime sky. The Dogon also depict this 'star' specifically equally having a circle of reddish rays around it, too this circle of rays is 'like a spot spreading' but remaining the same size.
The Dogons have described perfectly the DNA pattern made yesteryear this elliptical orbit created yesteryear the 2 stars equally they rotate 
make around each other. They believe Sirius to live the axis of the universe, too from it all affair too all souls are produced inward a corking spiral motion.
make around each other. They believe Sirius to live the axis of the universe, too from it all affair too all souls are produced inward a corking spiral motion. The Dogon also claimed that a 3rd star Emme Ya - sorghum woman someone - exists inward the Sirius system. Larger too lighter than Sirius B, this star revolves around Sirius A as well. It has non been proven to exist, though some people have got called it Sirius C.
Sirius C translated from the Dogon language into English linguistic communication is called the "Sun of Women". It is described by the Dogon as "the spot of the woman someone souls of living or hereafter beings". Its symbol contains 2 duo of lines that are relevant features of a Dogon legend. The Dogon believe that Sirius C sends out 2 pairs of beams too that the beams stand upward for a feminine figure.
Some of the ancient Egyptian temples, such equally the Temple of Isis at Denderah, were created so that the lite of the helical rising of Sirius would go downward the main corridor to identify its carmine glow upon the altar inward the inner sanctum of the temple. When that lite reached the altar, the beam of lite from Sirius was transformed into Sothis, the Star Goddess, Isis.
In a fashion of speaking, the same belief scheme was involved inward the Greek Temples, such equally the Parthenon, which were oriented to have the beams of lite from the Pleiades into their inner sanctums, where the beams were too then transformed into 7 women. As the beams from the Pleiades entered the Egyptian temple of Hathor it became the 7 Hathors woman someone judges of mankind.
Some of the ancient Egyptian temples, such equally the Temple of Isis at Denderah, were created so that the lite of the helical rising of Sirius would go downward the main corridor to identify its carmine glow upon the altar inward the inner sanctum of the temple. When that lite reached the altar, the beam of lite from Sirius was transformed into Sothis, the Star Goddess, Isis.
In a fashion of speaking, the same belief scheme was involved inward the Greek Temples, such equally the Parthenon, which were oriented to have the beams of lite from the Pleiades into their inner sanctums, where the beams were too then transformed into 7 women. As the beams from the Pleiades entered the Egyptian temple of Hathor it became the 7 Hathors woman someone judges of mankind.
Dogon oral traditions state that for thousands of years they have got known that the basis revolves around the Sun, that Jupiter's has moons too that Saturn's has rings.
The Dogons calendar is quite non-traditional inward that its l twelvemonth wheel is based neither on the Earth's rotation around the Sunday (as is our Julian calendar) nor the cycles of the Moon (a lunar calendar). Instead, the Dogon culture centers around the rotation cycle Sirius B which encircles the primary star Sirius A every 49.9 - or 50 years.
An old adult man of Dogon Tribe
The Dogon people are an indigenous tribe who occupy a part inward Mali, southward of the Sahara Desert inward Africa. There are nearly 100,000 members inward the tribe. They are a reclusive tribe of cave too hillside-dwelling farming people inhabiting a sparse, rocky plateau inward southeastern Mali, West Africa. They alive inward the Homburi Mountains nigh Timbuktu. |  |
 | Isolated topographically too culturally from the exterior world for countless centuries, they may good appear on foremost sight to live exceedingly unlikely receptacles of highly advanced astronomical noesis which only goes to present merely how easily nosotros tin live deceived yesteryear outward appearances. They are believed to live of Egyptian descent. After living inward Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for a time, they settled inward Mali, West Africa, bringing with them astronomy legends dating from before 3200 BC. The foremost Western scientists to see too study the Dogon people were French anthropologists Drs Marcel Griaule and Germaine Dieterlen, who initially made contact with them inward 1931, too continued to enquiry them for the adjacent 3 decades, culminating inward a detailed written report conducted betwixt 1946-1950. During their work, these anthropologists documented the traditional mythology too sacred beliefs of the Dogon, which included an extraordinary body of ancient lore regarding Sirius the brilliant, far-distant Dog Star. Their priests told them of a hole-and-corner Dogon myth nearly the star Sirius (8.6 lite years from the Earth. The priests said that Sirius had a companion star that was invisible to the human eye. They also stated that the star moved inward a 50-year elliptical orbit around Sirius, that it was little too incredibly heavy, too that it rotated on its axis. |
Sirius - which nosotros straight off call Sirius A - was non seen through a telescope until 1862 too was non photographed until 1970. The Dogon call for Sirius B (Po Tolo) consists of the word for star (tolo) and "po," the call of the smallest seed known to them. By this call they depict the star's smallness -- it is, they say, "the smallest thing at that spot is." They also claim that it is "the heaviest star," too white. The tribe claims that Po is composed of a mysterious, super-dense metallic called sagala which, they declare, is heavier than all the atomic issue 26 on Earth. Not until 1926 did Western scientific discipline regain that this tiny star is a white dwarf a category of star characterized yesteryear real corking density. In the instance of Sirius B, astronomers have got estimated that a unmarried cubic metre of its affair weighs nearly 20,000 tons. |  |
 | Many artifacts were found describing the star system, including a statue examined by Dieterlen that is at to the lowest degree 400 years old. They go on to say that it has an is elliptical orbit, with Sirius A at ane foci of the ellipse (as it is), that the orbital period of time is 50 years (the actual figure is 50.04 +/- 0.09 years), too that the star rotates on its ain axis (it does). The Dogon also depict a 3rd star inward the Sirius system, called "Emme Ya" ("Sorghum Female"). In orbit around this star, they say, is a unmarried satellite. To date, Emme Ya has non been identified yesteryear astronomers. In add-on to their noesis of Sirius B, the Dogon mythology includes Saturn's rings, too Jupiter's 4 major moons. They have got 4 calendars, for the Sun, Moon, Sirius, too Venus, too have got long known that planets orbit the sun. The Dogon say their astronomical noesis was given to them by the Nommos, amphibious beings sent to basis from Sirius for the do goodness of mankind. The call comes from a Dogon word pregnant 'to brand ane drink', and the Nommos are also called 'Masters of the Water', the 'Monitors', too the 'Teachers'. |
Nommos The Dogon tells the legend of the Nommos, awful-looking beings who arrived inward a vessel along with transportation away too thunder. After they arrived hither - they set out a reservoir of H2O onto the basis too then pigeon into the water. There are references inward the oral traditions, drawings too cuneiform tablets of the Dogons, to human looking beings who have got feet but who are portrayed equally having a large fish peel running downward their bodies. The Nommos were to a greater extent than fishlike than human, too had to alive inward water. They were saviors too spiritual guardians: "The Nommo divided his body amidst men to feed them; that is why it is also said that equally the universe "had drunkard of his body," the Nommo also made men drink. He gave all his life principles to human beings." |  Watching the Nommo arrive |
The Nommo was crucified too resurrected and inward the hereafter volition ane time to a greater extent than see the Earth, this fourth dimension inward human form. Later he volition assume his amphibious shape too volition dominion the world from the waters.
Dogon mythology is known only yesteryear a issue of their priests, too is a complex scheme of knowledge. Such carefully guarded secrets would non live divulged to friendly strangers real easily. If the star Emme Ya is eventually discovered inward the Sirius system, this would give considerably weight to the Dogon's story.
The Nommos, who could alive on dry ground but dwelled mostly inward the sea, were portion fish, like merfolk (mermaids too mermen). Similar creatures have got been noted inward other ancient civilizations - Sumer, Babylonia's Oannes, Acadia's Ea, Sumer's Enki, and Egypt's goddess Isis. It was from the Nommos that the Dogon claimed their noesis of the heavens. The Dogon also claimed that a 3rd star (Emme Ya) existed inward the Sirius system. Larger too lighter than Sirius B, this star revolved around Sirius equally well. And around it orbited a planet from which the Nommos came. (Sirius A).
Dogon mythology is known only yesteryear a issue of their priests, too is a complex scheme of knowledge. Such carefully guarded secrets would non live divulged to friendly strangers real easily. If the star Emme Ya is eventually discovered inward the Sirius system, this would give considerably weight to the Dogon's story.
The Nommos, who could alive on dry ground but dwelled mostly inward the sea, were portion fish, like merfolk (mermaids too mermen). Similar creatures have got been noted inward other ancient civilizations - Sumer, Babylonia's Oannes, Acadia's Ea, Sumer's Enki, and Egypt's goddess Isis. It was from the Nommos that the Dogon claimed their noesis of the heavens. The Dogon also claimed that a 3rd star (Emme Ya) existed inward the Sirius system. Larger too lighter than Sirius B, this star revolved around Sirius equally well. And around it orbited a planet from which the Nommos came. (Sirius A).
Beautiful Dogon miss enjoying her meal
Acccording to Robert Temple's Book The Sirius Mystery, the Dogon, a tribe of nearly 100,000 inward western Africa, have got had contact with extraterrestrials. One of Temple's main pieces of evidence is the tribe's alleged noesis of Sirius B, a companion to the star Sirius. The Dogon are supposed to know that Sirius B orbits Sirius too that a consummate orbit takes l years. One of the pieces of evidence Temple cites is a sand painting made yesteryear the Dogon to explicate their beliefs. There are a issue of other astronomical beliefs held by the Dogon which are curious; e.g., traditional belief inward a heliocentric scheme too elliptical orbits of astronomical phenomena; noesis of satellites of Jupiter too rings of Saturn, amidst other things. Where did they acquire this knowledge, if non from extraterrestrial visitors? They don't have got telescopes or other scientific equipment, so how could they acquire this knowledge?
Dogon Planet
Furthermore, at that spot had been a proficient amount of give-and-take of Sirius in the scientific press inward the '20s so that yesteryear the time Griaule arrived, the Dogon may have got had a grounding inward 20th Century technological matters beyond their agreement brought to them yesteryear visitors from other parts of basis too transmitted inward conversation. (Sagan notes that some of the give-and-take of the 24-hour interval involved the nature of white dwarfs, for example. Sirius B is a white dwarf, an extremely dense star, e.g., nearly a ton to the cubic inch.)
Chronologically, the earliest of these amphibious entities would appear to be the Babylonian fish-people. They were known to the Babylonians as the Annedoti, which translates as 'repulsive', but notwithstanding their unappealing appearance they were sufficiently influential for the Babylonians to have got their teachings too acquire from them the fundamental tenets of civilization. The most august fellow member of the Annedoti was Oannes, portrayed inward ancient Babylonian depictions equally a curious, complex hybrid of human too fish, with a bearded man's caput beneath the caput of a fish, too the body of a fish borne upon the dorsum of a man's body.
According to Babylonian legends, this aquatic deity would come upward on dry ground during the 24-hour interval to learn the people, too would dive dorsum at nighttime into the Farsi Gulf, where he lived inward an underwater palace called the Apsu. Was Oannes the original Nommo?
Equivalent to Oannes in the faith of the Philistines at Philistia (in what is straight off Israel) was a human-bodied, fish-tailed deity called Dagon. Further to the west, Pharos inward northern Arab Republic of Egypt was said to live the identify of 'the Old Man of the Sea' a shape-shifting amphibious deity known as Proteus, son of Oceanus too renowned amidst the ancient Greeks equally an oracle. Significantly, their traditional legends specifically claimed that he ofttimes sheltered inward a cave to avoid the heat of Sirius.
Book: The Sirius Mystery: New Scientific Evidence
Dogon province lies to the southward of the river Niger non far from Mopti too Djenne. The region is composed of 3 zones : the plateau, the cliffs too the lower plains. The plateau rises similar an immense fortress to a meridian of or so 300 metres higher upward surrounding plains. It is delimited yesteryear the Bandiagara escarpment, a cliff of to a greater extent than than 200 km long, which runs from southwest to northeast. The plains of the Seno-Gondo prevarication to the southeast.
Dogon Tribe miss from Mali
Successive waves of migrants populated the area. Over the ages peoples from different horizons had to share, non without harm, a same territory. Today the originality of Dogon country resides inward its ethnic, cultural too linguistic diversity. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 homogeneous Dogon society does non exist.
Like so many other farming societies, the Dogon have got no centralized might structure.Political too religious authorisation real much belong to the hamlet elders. Each part has its own traditions. Variants inward belief, myth too history abound.
Dogon farmer
The human face upward of the cliff is strewn with opened upward caves. Overhanging rocks forestall the rain from entering. The predecessors of the Dogon sought protection from the elements in these natural shelters. They built cylindrical constructions made of basis which were used, among others, equally granaries too graveyards. In the Sixties & Seventies, a squad of Dutch archaeologists carried out excavations inward the cliff expanse too brought to the world's attention the existence of 2 distinct cultures :
The Toloy civilization : A large opened upward cave overlooking the Tule valley, nigh to Sangha, contains a serial of ancient constructions. Carbon-14 testing techniques present that these buildings engagement dorsum to the 3rd too 2nd centuries BC. The Tolo" left no other traces of their passing.
However, farther archaeological investigations brought to lite the richness of the Tellem culture. The Tellem reached the Bandiagara escarpment yesteryear the 11th century. Skeletal remains too a corking many objects could live identified : clothing, household goods, glass jewellery, earthenware, wooden headrests, etc. Their houses were most probably built on the rocky slopes at the base of operations of the cliff. The heavy seasonal rains erased any traces.
The Dogon reached the cliffs yesteryear the 14th century too thus shared with the Tellem the same territory for some 2 hundred years. According to oral tradition, the Tellem moved south-eastwards too were supposedly absorbed yesteryear the Kurumba of today's Burkina Faso.
However, anthropometric enquiry held yesteryear the Dutch archaeologists inward the Sangha region demonstrated that Tellem too Kurumba are dissimilar. These studies are not representative of the whole cliff population. Chased away from their homeland, residual groups of people must have got laid off across the plains where, equally an ethnic minority, they merged into a wider network of local populations too communities.
Today, the people of the Seno-Gondo obviously who have on the call "Ganame" say they descend from the Tellem. They alive inward Koro, Arbinde, Kayn too Yoro (Seno-Gondo's border zone with North Yatenga). Patronymic names ofttimes refer to mythico-historical events.
According to Youssouf Tata Cissé (Malian ethnologist) "Ganame" is a deformation of "Ganama" which agency "people from Ghana/Wagadu". Could it live that the arrival of the Tellem inward the cliff expanse is somehow linked to the diverse waves of Soninke migrants who descended from the North after the collapse of the Republic of Ghana empire inward the 11th century?
The origin of the Tellem remains obscure but the many artefacts they left behind (textiles in particular) are stuff proof of a rich culture. It has non yet been possible to determine whether Tellem textiles were imported or locally woven. Till today archaeological remnants of weaving equipment have got non been found. Whatever the instance is, the wearing of clothing that is woven using highly refined techniques is typical for a lodge that has non only a rural but also, to some degree, a merchant economy.
Dogon kids
The Dogon also advert the Nongo equally a people who were contemporaries of the Tellem. They are credited equally the sculptors of a particular statuary style. Unfortunately no findings were made within an archeological context. No affair how hard it may live to separate myth from reality, the Dogon say that descendants of the Nongo alive inward the SenoGondo obviously at Bay. According to Hélène Leloup the Nongo may live linked to the Samo of the Yatenga province inward Burkina Faso.
The actual occupants of the Bandiagara escarpment reached their novel homeland by the goal of the 14th century.
Dogon Market
Dogon immigration from the Mande in all likelihood occured inward successive waves over a fourth dimension span of several centuries. To the southward of the Seno-Gondo obviously lies the Yatenga province. This vast territory is scattered with traces of settlements dating dorsum to a period of time roofing the 10th/15th centuries : ancient H2O wells, funerary jars, pottery fragments too slag heaps stemming from an old too intense metallurgical extraction activity.
Today, the Mossi and Kurumba ascribe these remnants to the Dogon (Kibse inward Moore/language of the Mossi). To what do these Kibse correspond? Were they portion of the foremost immigrants from the Mande who settled downward inward today's Yatenga ? Or are they an autochtonous population who merged with the newly arrived Dogon? Whatever the instance is, yesteryear the 14th/15th century the Kibse/Dogon left their Yatenga homeland too linked upward with other Dogon groups already established upward northward nigh to the cliff area. The Mossi too Kurumba took over their territory.
The encounter of the Dogon-Mande with their novel neighbours too predecessors brought nearly a considerable blending of cultures. This is good illustrated yesteryear the stylistic diversity of Dogon architecture too sculpture. Long before their arrival from the Mande, the West of the plateau witnessed the nativity of Djennenke/Soninke vogue sculptures. From the 15th century onwards stylistic extensions appeared inward the N'duleri too Bondum regions. Whereas on the other side of the plateau Tellem statuary came into being. All
these styles are incorporated into Dogon art. On the other hand, masks are of Voltaïc influence. Various Dogon too Mossi masks portion stylistic similarities. Their lengthy remain in the Yatenga also explains why the Dogon verbalise Voltaïc related languages.
Dogon Fetish house
The Pignari : The plateau gently slopes downward to the overflowing plains of the Niger river. The part is scattered with detached tabular hills.
After the collapse of the Republic of Ghana empire inward the 11th century (today's Mauritania), migrants from the northward occupied novel regions inward the vicinity of Djenne. Their arrival more or less coincided with the installation of the Tellem inward the cliff area.
Niongono : Its founding dates dorsum to the twelfth century. Its inhabitants verbalise AmpariKora, a spoken language variety initially spoken yesteryear the Degoga clan, an old people who preceded the Dogon of the Karambe clan (Statuaire Dogon - Hélène Leloup - page 104). The hamlet was erected on a horseshoe-shaped hill. Isolated on its rocky peak, the hamlet is a true fortress. Its location too defensive project design allowed the hamlet to go the assaults of the Mossi, Peul too Songhai invaders through the ages.
Crammed together, the buildings on top of the colina are 2 or 3 storeyed too are all cylindrical inward shape. There is no infinite for inner courtyards too granaries are integrated into the houses. The roofs are apartment and, equally so ofttimes inward Dogon country, are used for drying and storing diverse nutrient items. The base of operations of these buildings are made of stone so equally to diminish damages caused yesteryear heavy rainfall. Today islam is the predominant faith in the Pignari.
The Lowel-Gueou : Since Middle Ages, succeeding kingdoms extended their expanse of
domination along the shores of the Niger. There were times of peace too unrest. The inhabitants of the Lowel-Gueou, N'Duleri too Bondum regions were joined yesteryear newcomers, who came inward successive waves, seeking refuge inward the cliffs too on the plateau.
Dogon Huts for storing grains
Dogon man child using calabash pot to H2O a farm,Mali
Dani Sare : Just similar Kargue, the inhabitants are of Djennenke descent. The hamlet is built on a large rocky hill. Its location must have got been chosen for its defensive qualities. Its architectural vogue is marked yesteryear austere too rectangular buildings. The mosque stands in the middle of the village.
Bounou : The villagers say they are Dogon. However, their origins remain obscure. They are non historically tied to the Dogon of the Bandiagara cliffs. They settled downward in the expanse before their neighbours of Djennenke descent. They verbalise Bangi-Me. Linguists consider it to live a linguistic communication isolate with no known relatives. Bounou's architectural vogue is totally different from that of Kargue too Dani Sare. The hamlet is made of two-storied buildings that hold off similar enormous cubes with rounded off contours. The availability of palm wood made it possible to build inward such a manner. The roofs are used for the usual household tasks.
Bara : Its inhabitants are related to those of Bounou. It seems Bara agency "we will never leave". The escarpment higher upward the hamlet contains ancient granaries. These constructions were already inward identify before the founding of Bara. Nobody seems to know who built them. Further archaeological enquiry may eventually engagement these structures. The Bondum : The part is inhabited yesteryear descendants of the Tombo, an old warlike people. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 16th century manuscript from Timbuktu mentions the "Tombola, call of ane of the many tribes who profess a heathen cult" ("Statuaire Dogon - page 32" - Hélène Leloup).
They arrived inward the expanse good ahead of the Dogon-Mande, Fulani too other river-related cultural groups. It is only from the 15th-16th century onwards that these newcomers will gain inward influence.
Borko : The hamlet is located at the far goal of a closed valley. To acquire at that spot ane has to cross vegetable gardens that stretch out equally far equally the eyes tin reach. Water provide is guaranteed yesteryear local springs. Caimans have got made it their habitat. They are sacred to the villagers. It is their totem ( ba-binu ). One 24-hour interval a foreigner who happened to be a Bozo killed a caiman. His life was spared because of the existing Joking relationship (Mangu) betwixt the Dogon too Bozo people. It shows how the inhabitants of Borko
(Kassambara clan of Bamana descent) too the Dogon from the Bandiagara cliffs, though different inward origin, portion similar beliefs. The observance of the Mangu too the belonging to a totemic clan (the caiman) is a clear manifestation of a mutual cultural identity. As regards the Mangu, hereunder the Definition equally given yesteryear Denise Paulme inward Organisation Sociale des Dogon (page 277) : "a pact concluded betwixt 2 regions, 2 villages, two families, 2 castes. It is a service rendered yesteryear ane collectivity to some other collectivity, that
it volition have got saved from a corking danger or of which it volition have got spared a fellow member guilty of a grave fault."
The architectural style, however, seems closed to that of the neighbouring plains to the north. The villagers think the times when, nether the reign of Askia Mohamed (ruler of the Songhai Empire - 15th century), a Songhai representative visited the village. Today the house, though non inward use, that was allocated to him is silent there. It is said that he left behind some personal belongings.
Dogon Cliff Houses
Tintam : The hamlet lies on the plateau inward an expanse hard of access. Its isolation and nearly impregnable location may explicate why its inhabitants remained animist. However, with fourth dimension passing, the hamlet architecture too its statuary fine art were deeply influenced by Djennenke, Songhay too Dogon culture. The yesteryear intense metallurgical activity of Tintam is evidenced yesteryear huge slag heaps too fragments of old furnaces that tin silent live seen today on the outskirts of the hamlet (see photograph below). These are the remnants of an old flourishing industry : atomic issue 26 was in all likelihood used for the manufacturing of arms too agricultural
implements. There was no lack inward commercial outlets on the plateau too inward the neighbouring plains.
Dogon grain storage houses with an artistic architectural styles
Samari : As so many villages on the plateau, Samari took refuge on a rocky hill. A characteristic of the part are the many buildings that have got a doorway placed inward a niche.
In "L'architecture Dogon", W.Lauber sees similarities betwixt these entrances too the traditional Mauritanian front end porch. The exterior walls of the houses at the periphery of the village hold off equally if existence fortified against enemy attacks. The North Central plateau suffered a lot at the hands of the Fulani. Their installation at Dè on the plateau dates dorsum to the 15th century. They were a constant threat to the region.
In Saoura koum ancestral traditions too islam seem to complement ane another. The youngsters of the hamlet follow their religious pedagogy at the coranic schoolhouse too at the same time, old traditions too seasonal rituals are not existence neglected. The Odompilou feast is held inward the dry out season. The dancing starts towards sunset too stops tardily at night.
For many hours the villagers trip the lite fantastic toe to the rhythm out of huge drums. Many manlike someone dancers wear women's habiliment such equally scarfs too amber necklaces. This disguise symbolizes ane of the most mutual themes inward Dogon rituals : fecundity too renewal of the dry ground and, by extension, of the Dogon people.
. The old hamlet of Saoura koum no longer exists. Its site is situated closed to the actual village. Well aligned stones on the basis present the contours where buildings used to be. Parts of old defence walls with embrasures are silent inward place. The inhabitants of the new village explicate that their ancestors had to defend themselves against bands of Fulani horsemen.
The Arou too Dyon tribes alive inward the Sangha area. No affair what their tribal origin is, they both have on the surname Dolo. Family names ofttimes evoke the circumstances of the installation of the foremost migrants. The call Dolo refers to H2O holes discovered yesteryear a hunter's domestic dog inward the vicinity of today's Sangha
Dogon miss inward Sangha village,Mali
The Dyon settled at that spot first. In "Les Devises des Dogon", S. de Ganay explains the pregnant of Dogon names (Tige). Each tribe, region, village too hamlet quarter has a call that refers to a mythic or historic event. These names inform us on itineraries taken too depict the circumstances of the migrants' arrival inward their novel habitat. In the same way, an individual's foremost call refers to events surrounding his/her birth.
Male too Female Granaries. Dogon granaries come upward inward 2 types, manlike someone too female. Male granaries (on the left) are used for storing grains such equally millet. It is the man's task to distribute the millet to live used inward that day's cooking. Male granaries are usually a flake larger and, dissimilar woman someone granaries, have got to a greater extent than than ane door for access. The woman someone granary is used for storing other foods, jewelry, clothing, pottery too other personal belongings. Apparently men are NOT allowed to ever go into a woman someone granary.Songho, Mali
gogoli bongo ogol da
Each household unit of measurement business solid is composed of a cardinal courtyard surrounded yesteryear several buildings and granaries. Many of these houses have got an entrance hall; a identify where the elderly who no longer exit identify similar to pass their day. It is a proficient identify to remain inward contact with the other villagers. The edges of the roof terraces are protected with depression walls. The roofs are used for drying too storing diverse nutrient items. Houses, roofs too exterior walls are uniformly plastered. The whole looks similar some abstract composition made of forms with smooth angles too contours.
The geographical zone of the ameliorate known cliff architecture extends from Kani Kombole to Damasongo. The cliff stands to a greater extent than than 300 metres high. The upper portion of the cliff is scattered with opened upward cave sites. Its base of operations is a gradient made of piled upward boulders of rock. The villages have got been erected midway where the cliff's human face upward too the gradient meet.
Pegue Toulou : The lower portion of the hamlet is built on the gradient amidst the rocks and the upper portion gives the impression of existence glued against the cliff's wall. Dogon houses too Tellem constructions merge together. Many of these ancient cave dwellings are still inward exercise too serve equally granaries or collective burial places to the Dogon. There are two ways to arrive at the hamlet : either ane follows meandering tracks going upward the gradient from the obviously below. Or ane descends through narrow openings inward the human face upward of the cliff.
The traditional Dogon business solid is made of a cardinal room which is flanked yesteryear a cylindrical room (the kitchen), yesteryear 2 rectangular side rooms too yesteryear an entrance hall. As usual, the terrace serves equally a storing infinite for foodstuffs. The traditional granary with its conical roof made of millet thatch is a familiar site inward many parts of Dogon country. In the cliff area, slope declivity too the narrowness of surface available for construction are such that the base of many granaries is to live supported yesteryear pillars or stone walls.
Yougo Dogorou : The patronymic surname of Yougo Dogorou's inhabitants is Doumbo which agency "rock". The elderly say this call refers to Bamba, a part where they stayed temporarily before moving to too settling downward on the isolated mount of Yougo. Bamba is " bamba dumboo dumbo " pregnant " rock, the stone of Bamba ".
few families too some elderly people who are the guardians of the local altars. On certain occasions household unit of measurement members too relatives volition see the village. On the decease of an elderly parent, they volition get together inward numbers too participate inward funerary rituals too dances.
The human face upward of the cliff to the West of the hamlet is strewn with opened upward caves containing constructions left yesteryear the Tellem. The foremost Dogon migrants from the Arou tribe took up residence at the pes of this cliff. Traces of their passage are silent visible. Old foundations can silent live discerned too millstones lay around. There are no paths leading to this place. One has to brand a way around too over huge boulders.
As regards traditional belief, 2 localities inward Dogon province are of crucial importance. In both cases the Arou tribe assumes supreme authorisation :
Arou is the identify of residence of the Hogon whose religious authorisation spans the whole land. As a priest of agrarian rites, he represents the Earth, fertility too life. He is to ensure the perpetuation of his people.
As regards Yougo Dogorou, this is where commences the Sigui, the ritual that commemorates the foremost ancestor who died inward the shape of a serpent (see page 42). The ritual takes identify ane time every threescore years too symbolizes the renewal of generations.
It is also inward this hamlet that the sacred cave of Albarga is located, the old adult man of the myth who was discovered yesteryear Yayeme, the lady who confiscated the masks from the Andoumboulou. People come upward from afar to brand sacrifices for protection against sorcery. Also, inward instance of serious problems having to do with masks, the village elderly volition live consulted yesteryear visitors too matters volition live discussed inward the Togu Na
bordering the cardinal hamlet square.
Dogon hunter`s house
Marcel Griaule mentions inward "Masques Dogons - page 765 " the existence at Yougo Dogorou of Albarga's walking cane which is used inward rites for pelting making. Today this rite is still of actuality. Villages inward the part that endure from severe drought may telephone band for this cane to intervene too block the evildoers who are responsible for the lack of rain. Once every 3 years, a delegation from Yougo Na, Yougo Dogorou too Yougo Piri volition visit those villages that asked for help. By agency of the cane the culprit volition live ritually
uncovered too he volition decease within the 3 years that follow.
With fourth dimension passing, people abandon Yougo Dogorou. Uninhabited houses are unkept. After a few rainy seasons they come upward crumbling down. The older constructions built inside the opened upward caves seem to stand upward the attempt out of time. But fifty-fifty too then they do non ever resist.
The population history of the Seno-Gondo/Yatenga Province is real complexe. The region is a cultural mosaic shared yesteryear the Samo, Fulani, Dogon, Kalamse, Mossi and Kurumba. Just similar the peoples living along the shores of the Niger river, the inhabitants of this vast territory suffered from Middle Ages till colonial times at the hands of ever-shifting warlike powers trying to impose their supremacy.
Dogon Kids
Fulani, Mossi too Bambara raids only stopped at the arrival of the French inward the 19th century.
Dogon children standing on a cliff
Dogon people
Dogon Man
French job facilitated the agricultural colonisation of the region. As peace returned to the area, existing too novel villages had the chance to grow too develop. Many cliff villages have got a "parent" hamlet downward inward the plains. There is plenty of infinite and life is easier. The dry ground is proficient for agriculture too the crops are ofttimes ameliorate than on the plateau. Their millet granaries are bigger too then anywhere else inward Dogon country. As stone is not available inward the region, most constructions are made with mud bricks. Its manufacture is a truthful industry. Today animism loses its appeal in favour of islam too hamlet life is subjected to social too economical readjustments.
Architecture too traditonal faith :
An elderberry of Dogon Tribe sitting nigh a traditional altar
Architecture, social scheme too faith cannot live dissociated. The diverse types of buildings that shape a hamlet go together with the cults that regulation religious life. There are 4 main cults :
The Wagem cult addresses the ancestors of the extended family.
The Lebe cult deals with the renewal of the dry ground too of the Dogon people.
The Binu cult is to maintain harmony betwixt the human community too the supernatural forces of the bush.
Dogon traditional masks displayed on a giant baobab tree
The Society of the Masks directs populace rites enabling the transfer of the souls of the deceased to the beyond. But inward contrast to the Wagem, Lebe too Binu cults, the Society of the Masks has no architectural edifice where to exercise its cult. Masks represent the bush too its mysteries. Rites too sacrifices are performed inward a natural cave exterior the village.
Mosque too Market of Djenne
The Ginna (associated with the Wagem cult) :
The business solid of the hamlet founder is the middle of the extended patrilineal family. The most senior fellow member amidst the successors inward straight descent of the founder is the lineage elder. He is caput of the extended family, namely, the Ginna Banga. In instance a hamlet is made upward of several quarters, too then each quarter has its ain Ginna. It is a two-storeyed building : the Ginna Banga lives on the ground-floor, the 1st flooring is a granary store for the extended household unit of measurement too the ancestor altar, the Wagem, is located on the roof terrace. This
altar consists inward a laid of bowls. Each bowl represents an ancestor. The founder, his successors too the other men of the hamlet all have got their ain bowl. It serves equally a receptacle for their souls. The exercise of the Wagem cult is for men to remain inward contact and maintain a dialogue with their ancestors. On different occasions household unit of measurement members volition make sacrifices on the altar. The Ginna Banga is inward accuse of the cult.
(a) The Gorou ritual : Once a twelvemonth (December/January) each Ginna commemorates all ancestors of the extended family. Sacrifices are existence made too the ancestors' souls come and drinkable from their bowls. It is also on this occasion that the men inward accuse at the Ginna decide whether fourth dimension has come upward to start preparations for a novel Dama, for example, the ritual that enables the late dead to accomplish ancestor status. In instance they wishing to go ahead with a novel Dama, they volition inquire the Hogon to obtain permission from all other Ginnas inward the village. If they refuse, a novel asking may live formulated a twelvemonth later at the next Gorou. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Dama is real costly inward damage of agricultural products needed for preparing beer too food. This is the main ground why the Dama ritual is so ofttimes postpone.
Dogon cult knife, the handgrip consists of 2 woman someone figures, leaning against each other dorsum to back. The woman someone figures are made from dark chocolate-brown patinated wood, standing inward a one-half crouched position, the arms are held folded inward front end of their chests. The goal of the handgrip is made of brass, decorated with cowrie shells. The blade resembles a spearhead, consists of brass too is decorated with a serpent design.
The Gorou ritual is non only limited to the Ginna. Each household unit of measurement maintains at identify an altar for their ain deceased household unit of measurement members, some of whom are silent real introduce inward the hearts too minds of the living. It is called the Tirè Kabu.
(b) The Kikinu Mono ritual (= gathering of the souls) : Before the Dama, the souls of the late deceased roam nearly the bush inward the vicinity of the villages. The exercise for the Kikinu Mono ritual, which is held merely after the Dama, is to enable the late dead to attain their status equally ancestors. On this occasion novel bowls volition live added to the family altars. The Kikinu Mono is held alone inward the Tirè Kabu.
House of the Hogon (associated with the Lebe cult) :
The Lebe cult is associated with the agricultural cycle. It is addressed to Lebe Seru, the foremost ancestor of the Dogon who was buried inward the Mande too has resurrected inward the form of a serpent. He guided his people to their novel homeland. basis from his grave inward the Mande was taken on the journeying eastwards. At destination (near the hamlet of Kani Bonzon) a foremost altar made of ancestral basis mixed with the ane of the novel dry ground was erected. These were the beginnings of the Lebe cult. Their migration non yet completed, the 4 tribes (Dyon, Arou, Ono, Domno) took each a portion of this foremost altar too spread over the plateau, the escarpment too the plains. After having reached their final destination, the members of each tribe (the Arou excepted) divided their portion of the Lebe between themselves too founded novel villages.
Lebe chief
Each hamlet built an altar containing some of the ancestral earth. The Hogon is its chief priest. He is inward accuse of all religious too agrarian rituals that are to guarantee sufficient future crops too yesteryear extension to ensure the perpetuation of his people. Agrarian rituals, such equally the Bulu, demand the intervention of both The Hogon too the Binu priest : their activities complement each other. The notion of the "resurrected" Lebe is closely linked with the agricultural wheel : after the harvesting, follows the sowing. Each fourth dimension life has the upper hand.
Hogon
The oldest adult man inward the hamlet volition assume business office equally Hogon (except inward Arou). He must observe many taboos. The traveller passing through will regain it out shortly plenty : it is strictly forbidden to milkshake hands. Once enthroned, the Hogon no longer has the right to have physical contact with anyone. This is also valid for his wives too children. His first wife volition prepare his meals. But chastity remains obligatory until death. Also, he is no longer allowed to exit the compound. Reunions volition live held too people volition live received at
his house.
Unlike the other tribes, the Arou did non split upward their portion of the Lebe, too instead chose to erect a unmarried altar at Arou-près-Ibi. The Hogon of Arou is elected to his post by leading members of the Arou tribe. It is non a post coveted yesteryear anyone. One does not choose to live candidate. Some members are merely liable to live chosen equally the adjacent Hogon. He will live informed of the fait accompli. Various rituals volition take identify before his supposition of duties. For example, the newly elected must cease to be equally an ordinary human being.
Symbolic funerals are to live held too celebrated. During this fourth dimension he volition retreat for some 10 days inward a large cave non also far from Arou. The identify is called Komo-Sese. After this period of isolation he volition homecoming to Arou. It is at this dot inward fourth dimension that his nomination as Hogon volition go effective.
The traditional faith of the Dogon people inward Mali, West Afrika, requires menstruating women to retreat to separate menstrual huts, allowing men to closely monitor their reproductive status too forestall cuckoldry.
Komo-Sese is a real large opened upward cave. It shelters diverse Tellem too Dogon constructions : houses, granaries, altars too Binu shrines. On arrival from the Mande, the Arou tribe chose to settle downward inward this location. Not far from there, they erected the residence of the someone who would go the foremost Hogon of Arou. The novel dignitary had to live carried from the cave to his novel house. Today, Komo-Sese is no longer inhabited but as portion of his enthronement, the hereafter Hogon is to pass some 10 days inward this particular spot, after which fourth dimension he volition live brought on somebody's shoulders to his novel too final residence.
Dogon people coming from Market
Rain altar, the Andugo. Sacrifices on the altar volition drive rainfall. It is made of pottery fragments too "thunder stones" which are said to autumn from the skies with thunder too lightning.
Several patrilineages brand upward a clan. Clan leadership belongs to the Binu priest. His mission consists inward maintaining harmony betwixt supernatural forces of the bush too clan members. They volition telephone band on him for all kinds of problems of a mystical nature (unexplained diseases, divination, etc ...). Whereas the responsibilities of the Ginna Banga are transmitted through succession, those of the Binu priest are acquired inward a real different manner :
Dogon granaries too Crocodile Totem - Binou cult
The Binu is a supernatural too protective existence that manifests itself to an private in the shape of an animal. Whilst walking through the bush, this private volition live given an object, such equally a stone, equally a sign of alliance (Duge). Ethnographic literature has it that the discovery of the Duge yesteryear the someone inward query is proof of his might to communicate with the spirit world too that consequently it is his duty to assume responsibleness equally Binu priest. From at that spot on, the novel priest volition have on the Duge inward the shape of a necklace. Butin reality, the Duge is non merely a stone found inward the bush yesteryear a someone inward a trance-like state. It is rather
the necklace itself which on the decease of the priest, is hidden yesteryear household unit of measurement members until the day it is rediscovered yesteryear his successor. One says that the Binu "sleeps" until the 24-hour interval the Duge is rediscovered. Only ane out of the 3 existing Binu's inward Ogol-Da was active in early 2006.
Binu shrine nigh Arou-by-Ibi, Bandiagara, Mali
Clan members have got a closed human relationship with a totemic animate existence or flora (ba-binu). In the hamlet of Sibi-Sibi the Karambe clan's totem is a snake. One 24-hour interval an inhabitant of SibiSibi was saved from drowning yesteryear a H2O serpent. It was through the animal's intermediary that the Binu manifested its alliance with the Karambe clan. Since that day, it is strictly forbidden for the Karambe to hunt, kill too swallow snakes.
Dogon man
In Sangha, the Walu (antelope - hippotracus) is Ogol-Ley's totem too the panther is Ogol-Da's totem. These animals are regarded equally the protectors of the clans concerned and will non live hunted or eaten, nor volition clan members trip the lite fantastic toe with masks representing them. When a Dogon travels or sleeps inward the bush his totem volition hold off after him.
However at that spot is a particularity to live noted betwixt the 2 Ogols. Ogol-Ley respects both the Walu too the panther. As a sign of abide by for their neighbours, Ogol-Ley considers the old equally their 2nd totem. As regards Ogol-Da, it does non consider the Walu equally their 2nd totem. Thus Ogol-Ley dances neither with Walu nor with panther masks. But for Ogol-Da only the panther mask remains taboo.
Binu shrine, Bandiagara escarpment, Mali
Today the Binu cult loses some of its influence. Other religions, scientific discipline too the medical world inward particular give alternative answers to the protective business office of the Binu.
Binu shrines are single-chambered constructions decorated with reliefs too geometric designs. The white marks on the façades are millet gruel libations made during agrarian rites. These rites are to ensure the coming of the rain, the regeneration of nature and abundant harvests.
Sangha building
The next constructions have got no religious business office but, the smithy excepted, are often adorned with fertility symbols, ane of the major concerns inward Dogon belief. At the founding of a village, the Togu Na too the menses hut are erected first.
The Togu Na is a shelter opened upward on all 4 sides too supported yesteryear stone or forest pillars that carry a roof made of millet thatch. The ceiling is also depression for a someone to stand upward upright. Women have got no access to it. It is a shaded identify where men hash out hamlet affairs and where they tin rest. Manual crafts, such equally weaving ropes too baskets, tin live done there too. Both the Togu Na too the Ginna belong to the men making portion of the same family lineage. In theory, at that spot are inward a hamlet equally many Togu Na's equally at that spot are Ginnas, for example, patrilineages.
In the obviously of the Seno-Gondo the pillars are made of forest too are ofttimes ornated with representations of masks too symbols of fecundity : men too women with disproportionate sexual organs. The older pillars are of an archaic vogue too radiate a might that the newer ones seem to have got lost. Many have got been stolen too silent proceed to fuel the marketplace spot for African antique. At foremost the original owners thought they could contain the job by partially cutting off heads too breasts. All of this was done to no avail. The old Togu Na of Madougou is silent inward place. Some other Togu Na's have got pillars that had to rearranged and there are those, similar the ane inward Youdiou, that have got been ravaged yesteryear theft. This is how thieves go nearly their run : during the rainy flavour villagers run inward the fields and, when night comes, they are fast asleep. This is when, nether comprehend of the nighttime too with the help of bad conditions drowning whatever other noise, thieves go into action. On the plateau too along the escarpment, the Togu Na's have got pillars made of stone too earth. Sometimes they are supported yesteryear circular piled upward stone walls.
Menstruation hut (punulu) :
Dogon girl in Traditional Dogon Attire Mali.
The menses hut is situated on the border of the village. Women having their periods are considered impure. This is where they slumber too have got their meals during their so-called "state of impurity". It is a temporary way of exclusion from hamlet life. These dwellings are circular inward design. In "Villages perchés des Dogon du Republic of Mali - page 157", this round shape makes J.C. Huet think of a confined enclosure similar a pen separating women from the repose of the village. To dorsum upward his argument, he gives the illustration of the
menstruation hut inward Arou which is a circular enclosure without roof. The exterior walls are often decorated with symbols of fecundity, for example, individuals with over-sized sexual organs.
Dogon woman parent breast-feeding her child
The smithy :The smithy is a sober looking shelter consisting of a thatched roof resting on a piled up stone wall. Craftsmen similar the smiths are divided into endogamous casts too alive at the fringe of Dogon society. They do non wed with people exterior of their community. There are 2 distinct casts : The Jèmè-na too The Irine.
The divination Dogon, Mali.Dogon elders tell the hereafter with push clitoris a fast ane on divination:land inward a rectangular expanse bounded yesteryear stones is the identify of ritual,A heap of stones symbolizes a question, inquire the wise activeness of the Jackal, has the might to foretell the future.To attract the animal, are set of peanuts, returning at dawn the soothsayers to read the reply to decipher due to the traces left overnight within the rectangle of divination.
known since ancient times for their mastery. Between the tenth too 15th century, the Yatenga province already witnessed an intense metallurgical activity which has always been ascribed to the Kibse/Dogon. At the fourth dimension of the Songhay too Mossi conquests, it was usual to withdraw smiths too other craftsmen from their identify villages too settle them down elsewhere inward conquered territory. Their technical know-how inward manufacturing weapons too agricultural tools was vital to whatever might seeking command over the land. As a
farming society, the Dogon of the plateau too Bandiagara escarpment lacked inward craftsmen. In all logic, they turned to the smiths, established inward the plains below, to acquire the trade.
Dogon adult woman with babe grinding flour in front end of traditional dogon grain storage sheds.
Hogon. Smiths hardly ever alive inward their identify village. They volition settle inward a hamlet with an opening for employment. The Irine ofttimes have on the patronymic surname of their hamlet of adoption. It is said that a Jèmè-na is costless to take over a task held yesteryear an Irine whenever that would suit him. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 determination an Irine tin only but accept. In sentiment of the smiths' mobility in time too space, ane may wonder indeed what was their existent affect on the development of "Dogon culture". The smith's working identify may have got an unassuming too sober look, the
artistic creations that have got been produced at that spot are amidst the most dazzling manifestations of the Dogon cult system.
Altars :
Fetish wall, the Dogon people are largely Animist religion, too these fetish protect the village.
In practice, communication with the beyond is made through nutrient too blood offerings on altars. There are altars at all levels of the community : individual, family, hamlet and regional altars.
Dogon people
The Mosque :
Although its spreading goes dorsum to the 11th century, Islam was to a greater extent than or less limited to urban centers such equally Djenne, Dia, Timbuktu too Gao. It was the faith of the elite inward power and of the trading community. It is only after a serial of holy wars inward the 19th century that Islam definitely took root inward rural zones too inward Dogon country.
Djenne Mosque
Most villages have got a mosque. Today's dynamism of traditional mud constructions manifests itself, amidst others, inward a variety of mosques that present stylistic features that are characteristic of Dogon architecture. Mosques with façades composed of niches with checkerboard too triangular patterns became a familiar sight.
The mosque of Kani Kombole is a proficient example. It is situated at the pes of the escarpment. There is ample infinite for building. The mosque is broad too its 4 sides are decorated with colonnades too niches. This is a clear reference to the façade of the Ginna namely, the traditional business solid of the extended family.
Mud Mosque at Kani Kombole
The mosque of Nando is a instance apart. Its foundation seems to go dorsum to the 12th century. It is older than the well-known mosques of Djenne too Timbuktu. In those days the Tellem were silent the masters of the Bandiagara escarpment. Today many questions remain unanswered equally to the circumstances of its founding. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 local legend says that a giant built the mosque within a few days. Not far from Nando he left a footprint inward the rocks (see photograph hereunder). In those ancient times the only town closed yesteryear too already converted to Islam was Dia (on the Diaka, arm of the Niger). Was the Nando region already a transit passage for early on trans-Saharan merchandise routes linking West to Northern Africa ?
Through the centuries, the regular plastering with mud explains why the mosque on the outside has a corking resemblance with Dogon architecture. Inside the mosque, however, the walls are Islamic inward designing too are decorated with themes from the Koran : Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 duo of scales is weighing the souls of the deceased so equally to determine who volition go to sky or hell.
On the plateau, dry ground suitable for tillage volition never live used for whatever other purpose. Villages are built on hills that dominate the area. Kargue too Danisare are no exceptions to the rule. Space available for construction is limited. Both mosques stand upward high too their contours are adjusted to the uneven topography of the site.
Ningari is situated inward the middle of the plateau (Waduba) non far from Kani Gogouna, capital of the Saman. This grouping is ethnically related to the Djennenke of the Lowel-Gueou. But dissimilar them, they adopted the local linguistic communication too civilization of their Dogon hosts. The arrival of the Saman inward Dogon province dates dorsum to the 15th century. Just like the Dogon, the foremost migrants reached the southward of the Bandiagara escarpment nigh the village of Kani Bonzon, too from at that spot on, moved towards the middle of the plateau. Their settlement inward the Waduba is the outcome of many migrations that span some 300 years too \that were caused yesteryear incessant conflicts along the shores of the Niger river. Dogon and Saman concluded alliances too shared a same territory inward a relative peace.
Originally the Saman were no agriculturists similar the Dogon. They were a warlike people making a living from plundering. This mental attitude served the Dogon to a sure extent equally a rampart against the Fulani enemy located at Dè on the plateau to the east. In the 19th century, however, to extend their domination on the plateau, the Saman sided at foremost with the theocratic state of Sekou Amadou, too thereafter with El Haj Omar, the Futankobe conqueror. Both these states were leading a holy state of war inward the region. The Dogon never forgave their Saman allies of their treachery. Among Dogon masks, ane mask represents the "Samana". When this mask dances, it volition brand all kinds of funny gesticulations too the spectators volition laugh at it. Conflicts silent arise on occasion. In the nineties the Saman inward Kani Gogouna intended to build a novel mosque at the site of an old Ginna (traditional business solid of the extended family). As the Saman have got no rights on dry ground ownership, the Dogon opposed the project and got their way after a tense spell of fourth dimension that could have got deteriorated into violence. The mosque of Ningari is stylistically closed to the mosques of the Niger river bank. Today, after
living for so many centuries on the plateau, the Saman say they are Dogon but they will not forgo their Djennenke identity.
Masjid (Mosque) inward Djenne - Mali. The mosque of Djenne. The oldest too the highest rated of the Republic of Mali mosques.The pinnacles of mosques are ever exposed to rain. To bound H2O infiltration, they are topped yesteryear specially made earthenware.
In Tanga, however, the mosque's pinnacles are surmounted with overturned three-legged bowls. Archaeologists do know good this type of ancient earthenware that is commonly found inward excavations inward the cliff expanse (Tellem caves) too along the shores of the Niger. It looks equally if the inhabitants of Tanga, having at their disposal a issue of ancient pots, used these instead of the usual earthenware specifically made for protecting pinnacles. Next to the mosque's entrance at that spot are silent to a greater extent than pinnacles with pots. Do they serve whatever religious exercise or is it merely a affair of using upward the remaining pots ?
The Society of the Masks :
Masked trip the lite fantastic toe performances are held on the occasion of funerary rituals (Dama & funerals). These rituals are governed yesteryear the Society of the Masks. This lodge gathers all circumcised men, immature too old. Young boys go members after having been circumcised. Authority is established according to age. Many members sculpt their own mask.
Before, inward mythical times, decease did non exist. Instead, men metamorphosed into serpents. Yet, after the breaking of a taboo, the Dogon were exposed to death. The Society of the Masks celebrates the cult of the foremost ancestor who died inward the shape of a serpent after having transgressed a taboo. Ever since that time, death has been transmitted to men through contagion (not to live confounded with the ancestor Lebe Seru who resurrected and who is immortal).
The Society of the Masks is directed yesteryear the Wala Banga (chief of the mask altar). Amadingue Dolo was the Wala Banga of Sangha. He made portion of the informants working for Marcel Griaule's team. Amadingue died inward 1985. Ethnographic literature refers to the Awa Society. According to Amadingue Dolo the call Awa is wrong. The right call is Jeme. In Sigi So (the hole-and-corner language of the Sigui) Awa agency Kanaga.
amadingue dolo - wala banga dancer sculpting his ain mask kanaga dancers
Funerary rituals :
Funerary rituals consist of the burial, the funeral too the Dama.
The burial is held within a curt period of time of fourth dimension next death. After having wrapped the deceased inward a mortuary blanket, the body is pulled upward with ropes to the burial site higher upward inward the cliff. The human face upward of the cliff is strewn with caves of which some serve as cemeteries. The blanket is recovered. Later during the funeral it volition play a cardinal portion in the Baga Bundo ritual. On the plateau burial cave sites are located adjacent to each village.
The funeral (Yimu Gono) is held a few days later or fifty-fifty several months after that the body was lain to repose inward the cemetery. The exercise of funerals consists inward restoring harmony betwixt the world of the dead too living. The soul of the deceased must be conducted to the hereafter.
The Dama marks the goal of mourning too the passage of the soul of the deceased to the dry ground of the ancestors. This ritual takes identify around Mai/June. There is a little too a big Dama. The little Dama is silent regularly held. It concerns ane private only. The big Dama concerns all villagers who passed away since the previous large Dama. Many years may go yesteryear betwixt 2 Dama's; 10 to 12 years too fifty-fifty more). Before, the Dama entailed a human sacrifice. Today this exercise has been abandoned.
The funeral (Yimu Gono) :
Most funerals are held betwixt Dec too February. The harvesting is over, the granaries are total too the adjacent sowing flavour volition commence inward a few months only. Since there is no run inward the fields, men too women may go nearly other business. Time has come upward to organise funerals for those who passed away inward recent months. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 funeral lasts 2 or three days. Many visitors volition come upward too offering condolences to the household unit of measurement of the deceased.
Dogon Dancer
Dogon Dancers
The to a greater extent than dramatically powerful moments take identify on the roof terrace of the deceased. Some of his personal asset are deposited there. In instance he was an old war veteran, a life-size dummy dressed inward armed services uniform volition live clearly visible from all around. 
Dogon Stilt dancers inward action
Some dignitaries too closed parents climb on the roof too sacrifice a goat. Rituals vary from hamlet to village. In Kundu the caprine animal is castrated before it is killed too is too then thrown from the roof onto the ground. In Yougo Dogorou the animate existence is non castrated. Instead, after it has been killed, the ane performing the sacrifice volition take off the cover too exit the carcass on the roof. After the blood sacrifice it is the masked dancers' plow to mount on the terrace and dance. The exercise of these ritual activities consists inward attracting the soul of the departed out of his business solid so that it may commence its journeying to the Hereafter.
The dancers pay a lastly homage to the deceased too climb downward the roof terrace. A close parent, a boy or brother, remains lonely on the terrace, kneels down, scratches the ground with his hands too throws basis over his shoulders. He is looking for the Kine (a component of the soul) of the deceased that is to homecoming equally the Nani (the respondent) inward a newborn baby.
Meaning of the Nani : The deceased choses amidst his descendants a respondent who when grown up, volition brand sacrifices to his ancestor on the Wagem altar (Gorou ritual). The deed of transmitting a portion of one's soul to a descendant, is a shape of reincarnation.
In instance the deceased leaves behind a widow too then the same ritual is performed differently. For example, the masked dancer kneels downward at the house's entrance too pays his respects to the widow who at the same fourth dimension is looking for her tardily husband's Kine by means of a calabash that she is holding inward her hand.
The funeral of the Hogon of Sangha :
His funeral was held inward 1985 nearly 6 months after his death. The nighttime preceding the first 24-hour interval of the funeral, a dark chick is sacrificed too affixed to a thread suspended over the cardinal hamlet foursquare of Ogol-Da. This is a purification ritual concerned with protecting upcoming events against witchcraft. The ritual is called Kezu.
Hogon's Residence
On the funeral's 2nd 24-hour interval a ritual named Baga Bundo takes identify : 8 Kanaga and some fiber masks approach too kneel downward around a mortuary blanket (i.e. the one used for the deceased's carry to the cemetery 6 months earlier). They hitting the ground with millet stems. Evil spirits must live driven out from the blanket too the dancers are to pay their respects ane lastly fourth dimension to the defunct.
The role of women during funerary rites is sure non negligible. But they do not participate inward the masked rituals. When the masks dance, women are spectators too stay at a fair distance. The Ya Sigine priestess is the only exception to this rule. Masks represent decease too are a threat to their fecundity. In Sangha however, the role of women during the Hogon's funeral differs widely from other funerary rituals. Sangha is split in two : Ogol-Ley too Ogol-Da. The "field of the Hogon" is situated inward betwixt the two
villages. This is where most of the populace events are held. Male mock combats alternate with immature ladies imitating the masked dances. They do non have on wooden headpieces but their hairstyles, decorated with mirrors too drinking glass beads, stand upward for the masks. These female dances commemorate the origin of the masks. In mythical times a woman (Yayeme) discovered the masks before men took possession of them.
Usually funerals too the Dama ritual are held separately. This is non the instance for the Dama of the Hogon inward Sangha. It starts x days after the showtime of the funeral and lasts 3 days. Some x masks volition trip the lite fantastic toe at the occasion. But before the Dama tin be held, the Wala (altar of the masks) must live purified. In fact, yesteryear ritually imitating the masked dances at the Hogon's funeral, the women have got transgressed a taboo. As a result, corrective measures must live taken. This is where the Puro intervenes; a ritual enabling men to assert their authorisation over women. It is usually held independently from any other ritual. Sometimes men think that the women of their hamlet committed an offence and, to repair it, they must pay a fine. Following the dancing imitating the masks at the Hogon's funeral, the women have got to pay a fine to the Wala Banga (chief of the mask altar). It is to pay for the purification of the Wala altar equally otherwise the Dama cannot live held.
Dogon girls
The masks :
For the Dogon, the hamlet infinite guarantees monastic say too security. On the other hand, the ambivalence of the bush is notorious. It tin live both unsafe too beneficial. It is the world of the invisible. There are all types of evil spirits roaming about. But the bush is also a source of life where nutrient too medicinal plants abound. Wild animals have got gifts for clairvoyance. When a Dogon travels too sleeps inward the bush, his totem-animal.
blue indigo clothes too hats of the Dogon people
It is on the occasion of a Dama that novel masks are carved. The fibres for the costumes are prepared too painted inward the bush. Whereas the wooden headpieces may live carved, hidden from the sight of others, inward the village. To accomplish their total magical powers, they are to live submitted to diverse rituals. In Sangha, the Wala Banga is to brand a sacrifice for all masks on the mask altar (Wala). The owners of the masks do non assist. Each individual, however, volition brand sacrifices on his private altar in monastic say to seek protection against
sorcery. In some other villages, mask owners may wishing to seek protection through the intervention of mask dignitaries at Yougo Dogorou.
Today mask carving exterior a ritual context has go frequent. The sale of such objects to tourists is no job at all. But the sale of a mask that is silent "active" inward a ritual sense must live done with utmost aid too requires ritual precautions.
Dogon myths equally related yesteryear Marcel Griaule give a proficient thought equally to the significance of certain masks :
Mask Satimbe : This mask represents the adult woman who, inward mythical times, captured the old Albarga too stole the masks from the Andumbulu ( supernatural beings). One day in the bush she surprised them dancing. They fled too left behind their masks and costumes made of carmine fibres. She disguised herself with it too returned to where she came from. The men from her hamlet took it all away from her (Albarga included) too hid everything inward a cave, for example, the sacred cave of Albarga at Yougo Dogorou.
Dogon Saimbe masks
According to sure traditions the call of the lady is Yayeme too she came originally from the hamlet of Yendouma. Following these events, the adult woman who discovered the masks was nominated "Ya Sigine" (the sis of the masks). Today the "Ya Sigine" priestess is the only adult woman who plays an active role during masked rituals. She is also the sole adult woman for whom masked dances volition live performed at her funeral. Women are completely excluded from all mask-related rituals. During masked dances, they spotter on
from a fair distance.
Dogon Satimbe masks
Diangouno Dolo (late main of Sangha) ending the ritual at Songo.
The Great Mask is carved from a unmarried slice of forest too measures several metres in length. It looks similar a plank with a mask sculpted at its lower end. It is non meant to be worn.
Before, according to Dogon myths, decease did non exist. Instead, men metamorphosed into serpents. Yet, after the breaking of a taboo, the Dogon were exposed to death. The Great Mask represents the foremost ancestor who died inward the shape of a serpent. Its elongated form looks similar a serpent. It is the receptacle of the ancestor's soul.
Every threescore years a novel Great Mask is sculpted inward replacement of the previous one. On this occasion, the dignitaries of the Society of the Masks learn a few previously chosen young men the secrets of the cult. They are introduce during the carving of the Great Mask and they have got to acquire Sigi So, the hole-and-corner linguistic communication of the Sigui. After having completed their initiation, they volition supervene upon the previous Olubaru initiates.
The Dogon who follow the rituals of the Society of the Masks possess a shelter nigh to their hamlet where the Great Masks (old & the lastly to date) are stored. In 1930 Marcel Griaule counted nine Great Masks inward the hamlet of Ibi. It agency that the beginnings of the Sigui cult inward this particular hamlet go dorsum to the 14th century (9 masks x threescore years = 540 years).
The Great Mask leaves its shelter on the occasion of a funeral to live held for an important dignitary only (i.e. Olubaru). Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 hole is made inward the roof of the house of the deceased too the mask is placed through it. The upper portion of the mask tin live seen from far away (see photograph above). The mask so displayed is the ane which was carved inward the presence of the deceased when he was silent an "Olubaru to be" at the lastly Sigui.
Most ethnographic literature translates "Great Mask" equally Mask Imina-Na. However, Imina-Na is the call given to the "voice" of the Great Mask too non to the wooden structure itself. The vocalization of the mask is a rope with 2 wooden or metallic pieces attached at ane end. By making it whirl higher upward one's head, the Imina-Na makes a audio resembling the mask's voice. Depending on the region, the exact call is either Wara or Dannu. Originally the Dannu (a wooden pole) too the Buguduru (a cone of clay) shape the stand upward against which the Wara leans ("Masques Dogons - M.Griaule" - page 745). With fourth dimension passing, a issue of villages abandoned the carving of the Wara too replaced it with the Dannu.
Pupil too thief mask
The Sirige mask :
Dogon Sirige mask
This mask measures several metres inward length. It represents a Ginna, the business solid of the extended family. It takes a rigid immature adult to manoeuvre this type of mask. They jump and brand rotating movements with the caput forwards, backwards too sideways. Such movements require a physical strength that non all dancers possess.
A hubby with a married adult woman who is pregnant volition never have on a costume with the usual carmine fibres. It would convey her inward danger. To the Dogon the color carmine represents menstrual blood.
It happens that a mask breaks whilst dancing. Dancers too the dignitaries of the Society of the Masks volition elbow grease to cover the repairing from the spectators' view. Masks are magical objects too whatever intervention needs secrecy.
The Kanaga mask :
The significance of the Kanaga mask remains obscure. There are a variety of interpretations. It has been described, amidst others, equally a aeroplane or a woman someone spirit. Kanaga dance performances are real spectacular. The dancers ever appear inward numbers. They make a circular motion with the mask too brush the basis with its upper part.
Striking it would live wrong. But it happens to a greater extent than ofttimes than not. Sometimes, inward the estrus of the moment, a mask fifty-fifty breaks.
Dogon Kanaga mask
Masks stand upward for the bush too its mysteries. During funerary rituals they exit the bush and go into the village. They attract the soul of the deceased out of his business solid too towards sunset they homecoming to the bush followed yesteryear it. Masks are non all equal inward importance.
Certain types (Kanaga, Satimbe, Sirige) are of import from a religious dot of view. They are surrounded yesteryear an aura of mystery. Their dances have got a wild quality. They do non speak but emit noises. The Olubaru shouts to them inward Sigi So (the hole-and-corner linguistic communication of the Sigui). Other mask types tend to interact with the populace too their dances may fifty-fifty be entertaining. The next pages present masks that are easily identifiable (human and animal).
Dogon artistic carving work
THE DOGON PANTHEON
The Dogon have got an animist religion, which agency that they believe that all natural objects too forces have got a living soul.
In the world of the Dogon people, everything has pregnant too significance. For example, the Baobab is a sacred tree which tin never live cutting or sold; the fox, the snake, too the crocodile are sacred animals that have got a identify inward Dogon mythology too may never live killed.
Dogon old lady too grand-daughter
AMMA was the main god of the Dogon. He created the sun, the basis too the people. After Amma created Mother Earth out of clay, he raped her too she gave nativity to several sets of twins, which shape a pantheon of Dogon mythical beings.
Beautiful Dogon girl,Mali
AROU was the youngest of the 4 supernatural brothers who were the ancestors of the Dogon. Arou led his people on a mythical voyage to Bandiagara which became he homeland of the Dogon. When the 4 brothers reached the cliffs of Bandiagara, Arou gave a squall to claim the land. Enraged yesteryear his youngest brother's boldness too disregard of the proper order of descent too inheritance, Dyon, the eldest brother, abandoned Arou yesteryear the side of the road. This is where Arou encountered an old adult woman who offered him gifts of supernatural powers. These gifts served the Dogon equally tools for defense, to domesticate animals, too to brand rain.
Dogon stool
BLACKSMITH was the foremost of the 8 human ancestors who came downward from the sky to earth. He arrived inward an ark containing everything that was necessary for people to survive. He taught people how to brand tools too flora seeds for growing food.
CROCODILE was a sacred animate existence that was believed to have got led the Dogon people to H2O during their mythical journey across Africa. The Dogon were on their way to their electrical flow homeland, which is called “Falaise de Bandiagara.”
Village of Amani inward Dogon dry ground famous for its sacred crocodiles
DOMNO was ane of the 4 mythical brothers (see Arou).
DYON was the eldest of the 4 mythical brothers who rode a Equus caballus carrying Arou, the youngest, on his shoulders (see Arou).
LEBE SEROU was an agricultural god who was worshipped inward the Lebe cult. According to myth, the 4 tribal founders (Arou, Domno, Dyon too Ono) each carried a slice of basis connected to their primordial ancestor, Lebe Serou, to their new land. The most of import aspects of the Lebe cult are keeping the monastic say of agricultural life, too the renewal of the Dogon lands too people.
Offering Millet Beer.A hamlet elderberry offers the hamlet main millet beer from a calabash bowl. Male hamlet elders ofttimes socialize over a bowl of millet beer, particularly on days of special celebrations or after performance of the mask dance. NOMMO were fish-like creatures with a human body too the tail of a snake. The Nommo are the mythical twins born out of the 2nd mating of Amma too Earth. They are H2O spirits.
ONO was ane of the 4 tribal ancestors of the Dogon who founded Dogon Country (see Arou).
PALE FOX was an unnatural too socially disruptive creature born out of the foremost mating of Amma too Mother Earth. All divine children were born equally twins with a manlike someone too woman someone counterpart; however, the pale push clitoris a fast ane on was born without placenta and did non have got a woman someone twin. That is why he is a symbol of loneliness. The myths of the pale push clitoris a fast ane on tell nearly the chaos that resulted from an imbalance of manlike someone too woman someone qualities.
Dogon Market
SNAKE was a sacred animate existence who miguided the enemies of the Dogon piece they were on their mythical journeying to Bandiagara.
YORUGA was a manlike someone god born out of the matrimony of Amma too Mother Earth. Since he broke out of the womb also early, he and his sis were imperfect. All of mankind is descended from these 2 beings; too merely similar these divine twins they can never live perfect either.
Dogon miss carrying her footling sis on her back
SOURCE:http://www.dogon-lobi.ch/pdfeng1.pdf
Dogon hogon carving
Dogon woman
Dogon kids playing
Smiling Dogon Girl
Dogon man child riding a donkey
Dogon kids waving
Dogon woman
Dogon Men, they are conducts betwixt sky too earth.
Dogon woman parent breast-feeding her baby
Dogon women standing inward front end of a Mosque
0 Response to "Info For You Lot Dogon People: Africa`S Ancient Gifted Astronomy Tribe"
Post a Comment