Dogon Granary Builder

Fit stone footings, mud walls and a layered thatch cone on a cliff terrace so each granary stays dry and rodent-proof within a budget of materials.

Heritage note

Part of the living heritage of Mali. Some forms of this practice carry deep meaning for the communities who keep it; here we describe the play and the craft only, with respect for its roots. Animals are partners in this tradition; good care and local rules always come first.

Origins

A living tradition passed from person to person; it is not tied to a single dated origin. It belongs to the cultural world of Africa: Sahel, West and Central.