Book

Dogon mottoes

Institut 'EthnologieParis • Published In 1942 • Pages: HRAF MS: i, 218 leaves [original: viii, 194 ]

By: Ganay, Solange de, Granka, Sherri L..

Abstract
This monograph is part of a series of ethnographic works on the Dogon of the Bandiagara Escarpment in the French Sudan based on data collected during the expeditions of Marcel Griaule (Dakar-Djibouti, 1931-1933; Sahara-Sudan, 1935; Sahara-Cameroon, 1936-1937) and Lebaudy-Griaule (Niger-Lake Iro, 1938-1939). In other sources in this file, notably 8: Griaule and 11: Dieterlen, the concepts of the soul (kikinu), the vital force (nyama), the ancestors, and other supernatural powers were explored in terms of their effects on the Dogon individual personality. Here, going one step further, the intrinsic values of the personality are discussed in this study of Dogon mottoes or tiges, a general reference to the title or proclamation of quality of an individual or object. Although the concept itself is often applied to supernatural beings, the dead, plants and animals, certain geographical locations, natural phenomena, and generally with everything that is considered as a carrier of vital force (nyama), the main emphasis in this source is on the tiges of man whether as individuals or as a group. Like the nyama the tige is a constant element which is transferred from one member to another within the nani or respondent line. When applied to humans the tige is more than a simple motto or title, but an expression of quality – an “effectual phrase” which ties individuals to one another in the past, the present and to some extent in future acts (p. 188). The discussion of the various aspects of the tige as outlined above occupies the major bulk of the source, with explanations often bordering on the metaphysical.
Subjects
Cultural identity and pride
Literary texts
Status, role, and prestige
Mythology
Animism
Eschatology
Spirits and gods
Sacred objects and places
Prayers and sacrifices
Priesthood
Congregations
culture
Dogon
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Western Africa
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1988
Field Date
1935-1939
Coverage Date
1937-1938
Coverage Place
Bandiagara Circle, Mopti Region, Mali
Notes
Solange de Ganay
Data dealing with individual tiges have been indexed generally for Status, Role, and Prestige (554); on tiges associated with localities or tribes, for Cultural Identity and Pride (1860) and Place Names (103); in reference to supernatural beings, for Prayers and Sacrifices (782) and Spirits and Gods (776); and for animals and plants, for Ethnobotany (824) and Ethnozoology (825).
Translation of: Les devises des Dogons
The original French text is not included
Works cited in the text are not mentioned in the Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (p. 204-205)
Translated for the HRAF files by Sherri L. Granka
LCCN
46035088
LCSH
Dogons (African people)