When I tell you that Africa is a magical place filled with mysteries we are yet to understand as they unfold into the world story by story, you better believe it. African people have a special kind of magic that is unlike any other culture in the world. This is evident in their art, music, and stories which have captivated millions around the world. African stories tell of courage, strength, resilience, and wisdom - all traits that are often overlooked in today's society.
From traditional folklore to contemporary literature, African stories are full of lessons and morals that can be applied to our lives today. They draw on the ancient wisdom of traditional cultures while embracing modern themes and values. African stories inspire us to seek out knowledge and strength from within ourselves as well as from our ancestors and communities. They also remind us to listen deeply to the wisdom of those around us - something we must all strive for if we are to create a more equitable future for all.
Today, we take a deep dive into West Africa, where clusters of villages encircle the Bandiagara Escarpment, whose culture, artistic expression and complex belief system have remained mostly unchanged for centuries. The Dogon people of Mali, Africa. The Dogon people have a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. From their unique creation stories to their ancient cultural practices, the Dogon people have been an integral part of African life for many generations.
Dogon people of Mali in ceremonial attire
The Dogon are known for their strong sense of community, spiritual beliefs, and commitment to preserving their culture through language and art. They are a unique ethnic group with a long and fascinating history. They have been living in the same region of West Africa for centuries, and their culture has been shaped by their environment, religion, and customs.
The Dogon's history is filled with stories of migration, conquest, and resilience that are still relevant today. The Dogon Tribe has an incredibly advanced and accurate knowledge of astronomy and mathematics which they could not have discovered or developed by themselves. No one knows where the Dogon Tribe originated. Some have speculated that they were of Egyptian descent. Their doors had deep meaning, portraying ancestral figures to protect the people of the village and their families. The representational carvings of ancestors serve to keep spirits at bay and offer protection from worldly and unworldly sources of harm.
Traditionally used as granary closures, Dogon Doors feature glyphs that tell many stories, from spiritual appeals to the good life, depictions of the original human tribe and tokens of prosperity. Dogon doors are known for their intricate designs and patterns, which are believed to have symbolic meanings. They symbolize a strong magic and spiritual force. This force is, according to beliefs' animists of Dogon, imparted to the door. They are typically made of wood and are decorated with carvings of animals, plants, and geometric shapes.
Some doors also have metal elements, such as iron studs or nails. The Dogon people have traditionally used these doors to mark the boundaries of their homes and to protect them from evil spirits. The doors also serve as a way to express the social status and wealth of the inhabitants. For example, a wealthy family might have a larger and more decorative door than a less affluent one.
Their traditions and folk ceremonies are aligned with the movements of an invisible and yet unknown star, Sirius B, which they knew traveled around Sirius A every 50 years in an elliptical manner, something which was completely unknown to Western astronomers that time. Their rich history and culture is reflected in their art and architecture, including their traditional doors. Magical reality. Sirius A is a bright star which can be seen in the western sky through the naked eye, but not Sirius B, its invisible companion. The Dogon people knew that Sirius B was very small but very dense or heavy. Yet its existence was proven only in 1970 when it was photographed for the first time by Western astronomers. The Dogon tribe knew about the existence of this invisible star for thousands of years. They also knew that Saturn has four moons, and has rings or halos around it, although these cannot be seen without powerful telescopes. If this isn't magical then what is?
The designs and patterns used on Dogon doors are believed to have both practical and spiritual significance. For example, the spiral patterns are said to represent the spiral of life and the continuity of the Dogon people. The doors also depict animals such as the hyena and the chameleon, which are considered sacred in Dogon culture. In recent years, Dogon doors have become popular among art collectors and are considered to be a unique form of African folk art. They are highly sought after and can command high prices on the art market.
It is also worth mentioning that the Dogon people have their own language and religion, which is considered to be one of the most ancient and authentic of Africa, and that the doors were not just functional but also carried a spiritual meaning in the traditional Dogon religion and culture. Keep reading and visiting our website because we are going to tell you stories from Africa that you have never heard before. Awakening a history once passed down orally. Get yourself one from our store and connect with the stars.