Dogoni

The Dogoni are an ethnic group indigenous to the central plateau region of Mali, in West Africa, south of the Niger River, near the city of Bandiagara. The Dogon people are best known for their mythology, masking traditions, wooden sculpture, and unique architectural style. Their population is estimated to be between 400,000 and 800,000.

The Dogon language has numerous dialects and is related to the Niger–Congo language family. Traditional Dogon society is based on a patriarchal system of clans and lineages. Agriculture is central to their economy, with crops like millet, sorghum, and rice being cultivated.

Dogon cosmology and mythology are complex and elaborate, involving numerous deities and ancestral spirits. The Dogon are also renowned for their knowledge of astronomy, particularly their tradition regarding the star Sirius, which has been a subject of significant anthropological and astronomical debate.

Dogon villages are typically built on rocky cliffs, providing defense and a unique landscape. These villages often feature characteristic granaries, houses, and communal spaces adorned with intricate carvings and symbolic representations. The Dogon are a protected ethnic group, with the Bandiagara Escarpment (Falaise de Bandiagara), a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserving their unique culture and environment.