Togu Na House Post
Artist
Dogon peoples
(Malian)
DateEarly- to mid-20th century
MediumWood
DimensionsOverall: 68 x 25 in. (172.7 x 63.5 cm)
ClassificationsAfrican art
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.2390
Terms
- House construction
- Mali
- Africa
Collections
On View
On viewLabel 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.
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