Dogon Bangles

History

The Dogon are known for their iron bracelets and adornments in general which are often made out of wrapped iron worn by the Hogon, the spiritual leader of the Dogon community. These adornments primarily had a ritual meaning. A Hogon is a religious figure as well as a temporal authority. The Hogon may be hereditary or may be chosen from among the village elders—custom varies from place to place. The Hogon is always a man. After being chosen, a Hogon must pass through several months without washing or shaving. After initiation, he wears a red cap and a pearl bracelet. Hogon live alone and should be celibate, but a village girl may act as a maid. Nobody should touch the Hogon.

These bracelets were also used as fetishes, objects believed to have supernatural powers and therefore could protect the wearer hence it is an item of jewellery often worn by the hunters within the village.

Among the Dogon jewellery often serves as much more than just a personal adornment or fashion accessory. It is known that jewellery items such as bracelets, rings and necklaces signify that the owner is or may be linked to ancestors or spiritual leaders. Items of jewellery are also used to identify the wearer as a priest or caretaker/keeper of a particular altar.

Metal workers know as ‘blacksmith’ are famed for their extraordinary construction of jewellery. Many of these designs include bearded figures, sun, stars, snakes, rabbits and monkeys.