African Regions - Sahel by Drew H

Ethnic group - the Dogon

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-10 14:01:29 UTC

The Dogon are a native tribe of the Sahel. They are known for their scary masks. They are our focus of this Wall.

Landscape - Senegal Gerbil

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-10 14:10:57 UTC

The most common mammals found in the Sahel. Isn't it cute?

Religion - Ceremonies

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-25 14:10:07 UTC

The Dogon's masks are an important part of their religious ceremonies, including the dama, which is a funeral masquerade.

Culture - Things of interest

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-25 21:43:43 UTC

You might be wondering why I put the Freemason Insignia. Well, the Dogon is focused on male secret societies. The Freemasons are a fraternal and semi-religious society. I don't have any clean pictures that could give you a better idea, so here's the insignia. Also, there's a Monty Python skit here that is parodying the Freemasons

Economy

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-25 21:48:05 UTC

I wouldn't even say the Dogon have a real economy. But they do have barter market.

Language

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-25 21:48:18 UTC

Scholars have struggled to classify the Dogon's language. It is an anomaly among languages. Just look at it.

Culture - A Monty Python Sketch about Freemason architects.

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-25 22:01:07 UTC

It's hilarious.

Culture - Clothing

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-25 22:12:12 UTC

The most notable thing about the clothing is the mask used in most religious rituals. Obviously, the Kanaga mask is the creepiest. Maybe the Sirige mask ties for it. If I am being culturally insensitive, I apologize.

Education - Dogon Children

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-26 13:50:58 UTC

There's not really much of an education here. But you do have the education of circumcision at the age of 12. Ow.

Education - Tribal education

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-26 14:01:38 UTC

The Dogon boys are taught to be warriors or tribal dancers in many different tribal ceremonies

Religion - Religious ceremonies today

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-28 15:12:38 UTC

Today, the religious ceremonies of The Dogon are usually performed for tourists trying to look into the Dogon culture. It's a very sad thing. But here's an old picture of a real Dogon ceremony.

Landscape - Zebu

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-28 15:27:16 UTC

It's not your normal cattle. This is a zebu, a distant relative of a regular milk-producing, non-enviromentally-friendly, delicious farm cows. Speaking of which, what's that thing on it's back?

Nothing much else...

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-28 16:18:04 UTC

Language

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-28 16:19:50 UTC

This is a sample of a couple languages Ethiopia and Mali share.

Government

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-28 16:25:53 UTC

The village is led by a Hogon, who is a ruler and also a spiritual leader of the tribe.

Government

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-28 16:32:27 UTC

The Hogon's house is located at the head of the village, which is shaped like a human body.

Ethnic Group - The Fulani

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-29 13:48:03 UTC

This tribe is not the focus of this Wall. However, these people deserve an honorable mention. They are predominately Muslim tribes with elaborate clothes. Just look at it!

The Famine in the Sahel

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-29 13:53:11 UTC

Over the course of 20 years, a severe famine and drought devastated the Sahel. However...

The Famine in the Sahel 2

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-29 13:55:02 UTC

...the Sahel is recovering with drip irrigation systems and new farming techniques.

History - Timbuktu

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-30 13:49:31 UTC

The Sahel is the location of the famous civilization of Timbuktu. It was a center for trading salt, gold, ivory, and of course, slaves. It was that kind of world.

History - Mali

drewhesler2018 — 2013-04-30 13:54:23 UTC

Mali was originally a French colony. But now, the country has been shaken by a rebellion in the north. As you can see, it's a very violent time.