Figure - person on stilts

The Dogon are people living in the Republic of Mali in the Bandiagara, Duentza and Bankass regions. Their number is estimated at around 500-600 thousand. The basis of their economy is hoe-farming. Many of the Dogon annual rituals are related to ensuring a good harvest. To this end, they thank the god Amma and their ancestors for a good harvest while also asking for blessings for the coming field season. The two most important festivals associated with the agricultural calendar are Goru and Bulo, during which the priests of the two cults of life, Hogon (priest of the Lebe cult) and Binukedine (priest of the Binu cult), work together.Goru is a harvest festival held in late December or early January, while Bulo is a sowing ceremony held in May or June, just before the first rains. An integral part of both ceremonies are the numerous sacrifices offered on the many altars, and the prayers addressed to Amma. After all the rituals have been fulfilled, the festivities become an opportunity to have fun. The Dogon people dance, drink beer and eat the flesh of sacrificed animals. They visit each other, thanking women for the children they have blessed their villages with, men for protecting their homes, neighbours for their help and friendship, and ancestors and deities for their blessing and intercession. Husbands visit their in-laws, giving thanks for the greatest gift one can receive, namely a wife thanks to whom they have children. Above all, however, the people of the Bandiagara Escarpment are grateful for the good relationship that exists between the worlds of humans and supernatural beings. The next day revisits take place, and the atmosphere of joyful celebration is maintained.

Ewa Prądzyńska