Bandiagara Escarpment can be found in the enchanting Dogon country of Mali. The Bandiagara Escarpment stands as a breathtaking sandstone cliff, stretching over 100 miles and reaching a towering height of almost 1,640 feet above the sandy plains below.
This natural wonder holds a fascinating story of ancient civilizations, resilient communities, and the preservation of rich cultural heritage.
The Bandiagara Escarpment in Mali is a remarkable geological formation, beautified with an extraordinary history and cultural significance.
Rising high above the southern sandy flats, the sandstone cliffs stretch over 100 miles in length and soar to heights of nearly 1,640 feet.
This landscape not only captivates with its natural beauty but also bears witness to the enduring legacies of the Tellem people, who once called this escarpment home.
The Tellem inhabited the cliffs until the fifteenth century, leaving behind a testament to their existence through the remnants of their structures.
Today, the area is inhabited by the Dogon people, who proudly carry on their strong ethnic identity, preserving their traditions and resisting external influences.
The Bandiagara Escarpment has earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding blend of geological wonders, archaeological treasures, and ethnological significance.
With its magnificent cliffs and impressive architecture, this extraordinary place stands as a testament to the richness of West Africa’s history and culture.
The Majestic Cliffs of Bandiagara
The Bandiagara Cliffs are a stunning range of sandstone formations that stretch about 150 km from south to northeast, reaching all the way to the Grandamia massif.
At the end of the massif sits the Hombori Tondo, which is Mali’s highest peak, towering at an impressive 3,783 feet.
The cliff is considered one of the most remarkable places in West Africa due to its fascinating mix of archaeological, ethnological, and geological features.
The cliffs hold a treasure trove of history. The Dogon people believe that three sculptures found here were created by the Tellem people between the 15th and 17th centuries.
These sculptures have a distinctive style, often with simple and elongated shapes, and many of them feature raised hands.
Interestingly, they are believed to have influenced the ancestor figures that the Dogon carve on their house doors and locks.
The cliffs are home to numerous villages, including the notable Kani Bonzon. This village marks an important milestone for the Dogon people, as it was here that they settled when they first arrived in the 14th century.
From Kani Bonzon, they spread across the plateau, the cliffs, and the plains of the Seno-Gondo region to the southeast.
The Bandiagara Cliffs are not just an impressive natural wonder; they also hold deep cultural significance.
They offer a glimpse into the rich heritage and traditions of the region. With their breathtaking beauty and historical importance, these cliffs are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Mali’s captivating natural and cultural history.
History of the Dogon People
The Dogon people have faced historical challenges, including raids from Islamic slave traders. Neighboring Islamic tribes often acted as merchants, selling slaves to meet the growing demand in West Africa’s expanding cities.
This unfortunate pattern involved the murder of men by Islamic jihadists and the enslavement of women and children.
To escape these threats, the Dogon people began moving west as early as the 12th century, seeking refuge and avoiding both forced conversion to Islam and enslavement.
Evidence of the Dogon’s presence can still be found in the northern and northwest regions of Burkina Faso.
However, around the 15th century, the Dogon settled on the cliffs of Bandiagara. They initially shared the area with the Tellem people but eventually displaced them.
In the late 18th century, the resurgence of Islam and associated jihads led to increased warfare and the need for slaves.
In response to these historical pressures, the Dogon strategically located their villages in defensible positions along the cliff walls.
Access to water also influenced their settlement choices, with the Niger River nearby and a rivulet flowing at the base of the cliff during the wet season, providing vital resources for farming.
While some Tellem structures, like granaries, are still used by the Dogon, most Dogon villages are located either at the top or bottom of the escarpment, where water is abundant and farming is possible.
During periods when slave traders posed a threat, the Dogon sought safety in the cliffs. Remarkably, the Dogon managed to maintain relative independence from French colonial powers.
There are stories of a network of natural tunnels hidden within the Bandiagara Escarpment, known only to the Dogon. These tunnels were reportedly used to surprise and repel any potential aggressors.
About the Tellem People
The Tellem people, an ethnic group who once lived on the slopes of the Bandiagara cliffs, carved caves into the cliff face as their dwellings.
They were eventually displaced by the arrival of the Dogon people. The Tellem left a lasting legacy through their burial practices, as they carved caves high up on the cliffs to lay their dead to rest, away from the frequent flash floods of the region.
These caves can still be seen today and serve as a reminder of the Tellem’s presence. Within the Bandiagara cliffs, archaeologists have discovered carved wooden headrests in the Tellem burial caves.
Interestingly, the Dogon people, who currently do not use headrests, attribute them to the Tellem. The Tellem inhabited the area from the 11th to the 16th centuries.
The excavated headrests display elegant shapes with minimal decoration. Some even feature animal heads protruding from either end of the curved upper platform.
It is believed that these headrests might have been burial gifts or items used by the deceased during their lifetime.
The burial caves also contained various other objects, including bowls, pottery, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and iron staffs. Notably, headrests were considered objects of high status, as only a few caves contained them.
The Tellem people have disappeared from the region, and their fate remains somewhat of a mystery. Some suggest that they assimilated into the Dogon culture, while others believe they may have migrated to neighboring Burkina Faso under pressure from the Dogon.
Today, their small structures can still be seen perched on the higher parts of the cliffs, serving as a testament to their once-thriving presence.
It is worth noting that in Mali, there is a popular belief that the Tellem possessed the power of flight, adding an intriguing aspect to their historical legacy.
Discovering the Fascinating Culture and Beliefs of the Dogon People
The Dogon people follow an animist religion, which encompasses various beliefs and practices centered around ancestral spirits like Nommo.
They celebrate festivals and have a rich mythology deeply rooted in their spiritual traditions. While the majority of Dogon adhere to animism, a significant minority practice Islam, and a few have embraced Christianity due to missionary influence.
Within the Dogon community, each extended family is led by a male elder who serves as the chief head.
This elder holds the title of the oldest living son from the ancestral line of that particular family branch.
In Dogon’s patrilineal system, polygynous marriages are allowed, permitting up to four wives. However, it is more common for men to have only one wife, and having more than two wives is rare.
Traditionally, wives join their husband’s household after the birth of their first child. In some cases, women may choose to leave their husbands early in the marriage, before having children.
Divorce is a serious matter among the Dogon and requires the involvement of the entire village. An extended family, known as a guinna, can consist of up to one hundred individuals.
Harmony is a fundamental value in Dogon culture, evident in their rituals and social interactions. For example, they have a significant ritual where women praise men, men express gratitude to women, the young show appreciation for the elderly, and the older generation recognizes the contributions of the young.
Additionally, elaborate greetings play an essential role in Dogon society. Whenever two Dogon individuals meet, they engage in a series of questions about each other’s families.
The customary response is sewa, meaning “everything is fine.” This greeting ritual is repeated throughout the village multiple times a day.
The repetition of the word sewa has led neighboring peoples to refer to the Dogon as the “sewa people.”
The spiritual leader of a Dogon village is called the Hogon, who is chosen from among the oldest men of the extended families residing in the village.
The Dogon primarily rely on agriculture for their subsistence. They cultivate crops such as pearl millet, sorghum, rice, onions, tobacco, peanuts, and various vegetables.
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Their onions are even sold in markets as far as Bamako and Ivory Coast. Additionally, they raise livestock like sheep, goats, and chickens. Grain is stored in granaries as a vital part of their agricultural practices.
Conclusion
In the heart of Mali’s Dogon country, the Bandiagara Escarpment makes visitors explore its majestic landscapes and delve into the depths of its captivating history.
With its towering cliffs, ancient remnants, and vibrant cultural heritage, this UNESCO World Heritage Site invites you to witness the enduring legacy of the Tellem people and the resilience of the Dogon community.
Embark on a journey of discovery and be enchanted by the timeless allure of the Bandiagara Escarpment, a testament to the beauty and significance of West Africa’s past and present.
Source
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Bandiagara_Escarpment
