Around the house of the Hogon. Nombori village, Pays Dogon, Pays Dogon, Mali
A hogon is a religious figure as well as a temporal authority. the hogon may be hereditary or may be chosen from among the village elders - custom varies from place to place. The hogon is always a man. After being chosen, a hogon must pass through several months without washing or shaving. After initiation, he wears a red cap, and a pearl bracelet. Hogon live alone and should be celibate, but a village girl may act as a maid. Nobody should touch the hogon. The Hogon has a key role in village rituals and in ensuring fertility and germination. The hogon is central to a wide range of fertility and marriage rituals, which are closely related to Dogon origin myths. The hogon may conduct rituals in the Sanctuaire de Binou, a special building whose door is blocked with rocks.
Size: 4256px × 2832px
Location: West Africa Mali " Mopti Region" "Dogon Country" Bandiagara Escarpment Nombori
Photo credit: © Bert de Ruiter / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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