These are Dogon
thatched clay granaries (store rooms) in Songho, Mali. There
are two types of Dogon granary, male and female. The larger male
granaries (on the left) are used for storing grains. Men
distribute the grain, usually millet, for the day's cooking. Male
granaries are usually bigger that the female and have more than
one door. The female granary (right) is used for storing other
foods but also personal things like jewellery, clothing and
pottery. Men are NOT allowed to enter a female granary.
Each granary is built from clay supported on rocks. The structures are raised
off the ground to keep termites and rodents out. The roof is solid
clay with a cap of straw thatch to keep the rain from washing away
the clay during the rainy season. The female granary here is shown
without its thatch which just sits on top like a hat. Thanks to
Ellen Mack for the picture. Here is Ellen's collection of pictures
of the
Dogon people.
In Dogon culture the basket, house, village and universe are
all organised by the same principals.
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