the dogon exercises
dogon world
myth culture pantheon download as word document
A-exercises
1.1 Look at a world map. Where do the Dogon originally come from?
1.2 Where did they move to? Show this on a map. Also show when this happened.
 
2.1 What did the Dogon live from? What is millet? What is sorgum?
2.2 Explain how Dogon society functions? Who is in charge and why?
2.3 Describe some of the Dogon rituals?
2.4 Find examples of primitive Dogan art (for instance on the internet).
3.1

What is meant by an "animistic" religion?
3.2 Why do the Dogon believe that they were once visited by beings from outer space?
3.3 What role do women play in Dogon religion? Look for answers in both the creation myth and in the pantheon.
3.4 The pantheon contains gods that are related to the creation myth and gods that are related to the journey of the Dogon through West Sudan to Babdiagara. Make two lists of these gods.
3.5 How are these two stories connected?
3.6 Find everything you can about the worshipping of the "lebe".
3.7 Do the same for the "bulu" ritual.
3.8 Why is it forbidden to kill foxes, snakes or crocodiles?
 
4. What similarities do you see between the Dogon creation myth and the creation myths of other cultures?
B-exercises
At the beginning of your presentation make a poster with a sketch or summary of the Dogon creation myth.

Choose one of the following exercises and indicate what the relationship is between the exercise you choose and the creation myth.

1. What heavenly bodies are described in the Dogon creation myth? How did they come into existence and what is their function? Make a poster with a sketch of what the universe looks like.

or

2. Imagine that you are living in the situation the Dogon were living in when the Europeans came. You (the Dogon) have to flee from the Kingdom of Yatenga because you are being chased by men on horses. Make a list of the things you would take with you. Discuss how you as a group have the best chances to survive.
C-exercises
Rewrite the creation myth from the perspective of Amma or from the perspective of the earth. But first try to understand these two characters as best as possible.
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