The Dogon Tribe: Navigating the Spiritual and Astronomical Realms
The Dogon are an ethnic group indigenous to the central plateau region of Mali, in West Africa. They primarily inhabit the Bandiagara Escarpment, a sandstone cliff structure in the Dogon Country, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. The Dogon people are renowned for their rich cultural heritage, distinctive art, complex cosmology, and unique architecture. The Dogon people speak the Dogon languages, which are a group of closely related languages within the Niger-Congo language family. The Dogon languages are known for their complexity and include several dialects. Besides, Dogon society is organized into patrilineal clans, and villages are often comprised of extended families. Each village has its own ruling council and chief. The Dogon are known for their communal way of life and strong social ties. Furthermore, the Dogon are skilled artisans, creating a variety of artworks, including wooden sculptures, masks, granary doors, and pottery. Their art often depicts re...