Dogon Country, Territory in Mopti Region, Mali.
Dogon Country is a territory in Mopti Region, Mali, distinguished by the Bandiagara Escarpment, a dramatic geological formation of sandstone cliffs rising above a flat plain. The landscape divides naturally into three zones: the upper plateau, the steep cliff face, and the lower plain below.
The Tellem people built dwellings carved into cliff faces during the 11th century, long before the Dogon arrived from present-day Burkina Faso. This early settlement shaped the region's character for centuries to come.
Each Dogon village has a toguna, a low-roofed meeting place where male elders gather to make community decisions and discuss local matters. This shared space remains central to how village life is organized today.
The best time to explore is during the cooler season when walking through steep terrain is more manageable. Access is easiest from the larger villages, which serve as good starting points for exploring the different zones.
The Dogon maintain a tradition of separate grain storage buildings for men and women, with distinct architectural designs reflecting their separate roles. This arrangement is visible today in the way storage structures are positioned throughout the villages.
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