Photograph by Ed Pollard, Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II digital slr-2009.

Togu Na House Post

Artist Dogon peoples (Malian)

CultureAfrican | Dogon

DateEarly- to mid-20th century

MediumWood

DimensionsOverall: 68 x 25 in. (172.7 x 63.5 cm)

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.2390

Collections

African Art

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 110

Label TextTogu Na House Post Early- to mid-20th century Dogon peoples Mali Wood Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.2390 In a Dogon village, the togu na serves as the men's meetinghouse. The conversations held there determine many aspects of village life, ranging from the settling of disputes to the education of younger generations in the traditions of the village. Men in the low-roofed togu na speak only while seated, a position of reverence, out of respect for what is being said. In some regions, stone pillars support the thick roof of millet stalks, while meetinghouses in villages on the plain feature carved wood supports. Typically a togu na has eight such posts, representing each of the four male and female couples who in legend transformed themselves into a single being, Nommo. The son of Amma, the creator, Nommo gave the Dogon the gifts of language and skills for the hands.