Parent's Journal continues Dogon Anthropology

Mud Mosque

Hassimi, our guide

Male Elders "Hang out"

Ancient Symbolism

Sacred paintings

More sacred paintings

Christian mud church

Anthropology and archeology of the Dogon:
The Dogon people practice Animist religion, while Islam has become the official religion, Animism continues to be a major part of the culture influencing many of the customs still being practiced today. We did see one influence of missionary work and a Catholic church deep into the country we hiked, at the top of an escarpment. It is a patrilinial system with polygamous marriages. Many of the customs Hassimi described seemed unimaginable to us (especially the females in the group) however they are part of time-honored traditions with mythic origins. Some examples: Wives only join their husband’s households after the birth of the first child. After this they are free to couple with others, but can only have children with their husband (This was all very confusing to me, so I am not sure I have this completely correct) I know it is only true for some tribal groups. Divorce is rare and involves the whole village. Both men and women are considered to be born with both sexual components and it is only after circumcision and excism that they become male or female. Elaborate ceremonies are held for both sexes but the male initiation goes on for a year. Women are segregated to a separate house during menses. Elaborate greetings are also a part of this culture and I found it took up a great part of the day! Inquiries are made about your health the health of your family members etc. The Hogon is the spiritual leader and attended to by a premenstrual virgin. The Hogon can take a wife after initiation but lives alone in his house where Lebe, a sacred snake (a symbol which is molded into the architecture) comes to clean him and impart wisdom. The colors of white (Day), black (Night) and red (Life blood) are painted into the sacred dwelling on the cliffs. (Some being restored through funding from France). My favorite story is one Hassimi, our guide, told us about family fiality. Parents “invest’ in their children, providing for them, training them, and cherishing them. As the children age they “pay back” their parents by caring for, providing for and cherishing them. Hassimi shared much, much more with us but I have to admit, I was distracted by the children, the views, the terrain and the quiet kindness of the villagers as they allowed us to experience their villages and culture.