The land of the Dogon
The Valley of the Dogon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is characterised by the many sand dunes and the typical villages that seem to be stuck against a 200 km long and 200 meter high village wall. In this area you can take many beautiful treks, such as a descent from the plateau where the village of Djiguibombo is located, to the valley, where you reach the village of Kani Kombolé.
The valley is the habitat of the Dogon,one of Mali's most interesting populations. They fled to this area in the fifteenth century against the threat of Islamic invasions. As a result, they have been able to preserve their cultural and religious traditions and have chosen to resist the influences of the modern world. The things they attach to are rooted in the earth and heaven, in youth and old age and in life and death. Marriages are sometimes arranged before the birth of a child. Through masks, musical instruments and ritual dances they express their faith. They are praised for their abstract works of art, the geometric designs in their carvings and masks inspired the young Picasso.
Water, which gives life to this dry land, is revered and is an important symbol in the Dogon community. Dogon farmers have created green oases around their villages by digging ingenious irrigation canals. They grow corn, grain and onions, and herd goats and sheep. There are about 450,000 Dogon.