What is the uniqueness of the astronomical knowledge of the African Dogon tribe? Detailed answer

BIG ENCYCLOPEDIA FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
Free library / Directory / Big encyclopedia for children and adults

What is the uniqueness of the astronomical knowledge of the African Dogon tribe? Detailed answer

Big encyclopedia for children and adults

Directory / Big encyclopedia. Questions for quiz and self-education

Did you know?

What is the uniqueness of the astronomical knowledge of the African Dogon tribe?

The culture of the Dogon has been the object of close attention of scientists for several decades. This relatively small people (in 2000 the number of Dogon was about 500 thousand people) lives mainly on the territory of the Republic of Mali, in a remote area.

Actively resisting both Islamization by the rulers of ancient Mali and conversion to Christianity by the French colonialists, the Dogon have kept many of their beliefs and customs relatively intact until very recently.

Their cosmological views are of particular interest. In the view of the Dogon, the Universe is "infinite but measurable", filled with "spiral stellar worlds", one of which contains the Sun. This world can be observed in the sky in the form of the Milky Way. Most of the luminaries visible in the sky represent the "external" system of stars, whose influence on earthly life, according to the Dogon, is relatively small. The "internal" system, "directly involved in the life and development of people on Earth", includes the constellation Orion, alpha and gamma Canis Minor, the Pleiades and several more stars. The main role in it is played by Sirius, called the "navel of the world."

Dogon consider Sirius a triple star, the main component of which is called Sigi tolo ("tolo" - a star), and its satellites are Po tolo and Emme ya tolo, and two more satellites supposedly revolve around Emme ya tolo - Ara tolo and Yu tolo. At the same time, the characteristics of the Po star do not differ in any significant way from the currently known characteristics of Sirius B. First of all, the Po star is white, in Dogon sanctuaries it is symbolized by a white stone. The period of circulation of Po tolo around Sigi tolo is 50 years (according to astronomers - 49,9 years). This star, according to the Dogon, is small in size with enormous weight and density: "it is the smallest and heaviest of all stars." It is Po tolo that the Dogon consider "the most important star", "a symbol of the origin of the Universe" and "the center of the stellar world". As for Emme ya tolo, the second satellite of Sirius is not known to modern astronomy, although over the past decades astronomers from different countries have repeatedly suggested the existence of another star in this system.

Some features of the Sirius system do speak in favor of such a hypothesis, but it has not yet been confirmed by observations. Ethnographers who have studied Dogon cosmology are unanimous that it is the result of borrowing, because the level of scientific and technological development of this people would not have allowed them to learn anything like this without "outside help."

Some are inclined to consider modern European civilization to be its source, but this assumption faces serious objections. The first of these is that knowledge of the Sirius system underlies the calculation of the period with which Sigi is celebrated - the main holiday of the Dogon, the rituals of this holiday go back 700 years (according to some sources - 1400 years). Meanwhile, Sirius B was discovered by astronomers in 1862, its unusually high density was determined in 1915. In addition, the knowledge of the Dogon does not at all coincide with the modern astronomical picture of the world. In particular, the presence of a second satellite in Sirius is still only a hypothesis, and as for the satellites of Emme ya tolo (essentially planets), our astronomy does not even talk about them.

The most interesting thing is that the French ethnographers who studied the beliefs of the Dogon did not in the least believe their astronomical constructions - until one astronomer pointed out to them the remarkableness of this part of the Dogon cosmogony.

Author: Kondrashov A.P.

Random interesting fact from the Great Encyclopedia:

At what point in the Irony of Fate can you see Oleg Basilashvili?

In the film "The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath!" there is a funny bug. When Lukashin throws a photograph of Ippolit out the window, it shows the familiar hero played by Yakovlev. And when Nadia picks her up from the snow, Oleg Basilashvili is already depicted there. The fact is that it was Basilashvili who was originally planned for the role of Ippolit, but was forced to refuse due to the death of his father. However, the episode with the raising of the photo has already been filmed, and they simply forgot to replace it with a photo with "Yakovlevsky" Ippolit.

Test your knowledge! Did you know...

▪ Who Invented Sign Language?

▪ What is integration?

▪ Who wears high heels that don't have those heels?

See other articles Section Big encyclopedia. Questions for quiz and self-education.

Read and write useful comments on this article.

<< Back

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

Artificial leather for touch emulation 15.04.2024

In a modern technology world where distance is becoming increasingly commonplace, maintaining connection and a sense of closeness is important. Recent developments in artificial skin by German scientists from Saarland University represent a new era in virtual interactions. German researchers from Saarland University have developed ultra-thin films that can transmit the sensation of touch over a distance. This cutting-edge technology provides new opportunities for virtual communication, especially for those who find themselves far from their loved ones. The ultra-thin films developed by the researchers, just 50 micrometers thick, can be integrated into textiles and worn like a second skin. These films act as sensors that recognize tactile signals from mom or dad, and as actuators that transmit these movements to the baby. Parents' touch to the fabric activates sensors that react to pressure and deform the ultra-thin film. This ... >>

Petgugu Global cat litter 15.04.2024

Taking care of pets can often be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping your home clean. A new interesting solution from the Petgugu Global startup has been presented, which will make life easier for cat owners and help them keep their home perfectly clean and tidy. Startup Petgugu Global has unveiled a unique cat toilet that can automatically flush feces, keeping your home clean and fresh. This innovative device is equipped with various smart sensors that monitor your pet's toilet activity and activate to automatically clean after use. The device connects to the sewer system and ensures efficient waste removal without the need for intervention from the owner. Additionally, the toilet has a large flushable storage capacity, making it ideal for multi-cat households. The Petgugu cat litter bowl is designed for use with water-soluble litters and offers a range of additional ... >>

The attractiveness of caring men 14.04.2024

The stereotype that women prefer "bad boys" has long been widespread. However, recent research conducted by British scientists from Monash University offers a new perspective on this issue. They looked at how women responded to men's emotional responsibility and willingness to help others. The study's findings could change our understanding of what makes men attractive to women. A study conducted by scientists from Monash University leads to new findings about men's attractiveness to women. In the experiment, women were shown photographs of men with brief stories about their behavior in various situations, including their reaction to an encounter with a homeless person. Some of the men ignored the homeless man, while others helped him, such as buying him food. A study found that men who showed empathy and kindness were more attractive to women compared to men who showed empathy and kindness. ... >>

Random news from the Archive

Liquid crystal fabric changes shape when heated 06.11.2023

Engineers from the USA have presented a new way to create fabric that can change its shape under the influence of heat. They combined conventional textile fibers with liquid crystals embedded in a polymer to create a fabric that shrinks at temperatures ranging from 26 to 66 degrees Celsius. This innovative fabric can be used to create comfortable clothing and smart materials.

Engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology produced liquid crystal fibers on standard weaving looms and used them to sew a suit for one of the developers' dogs. A battery on the suit heats it up, causing the fabric to shrink, turning it into a compression vest typically used to sedate animals.

Scientists have also created a women's sports top that shrinks as body temperature rises during exercise, providing comfort during exercise. After cooling, the fabric returns to its original position. Engineers hope that this innovative fabric will find use not only in clothing, but also in smart curtains or window coverings.

Other interesting news:

▪ 10TB HDD is just around the corner

▪ Metal detector in the palm of your hand

▪ Operate better during the day

▪ Cooler Thermaltake ToughAir 510

▪ Explosives within a radius of 100 meters will find a laser

News feed of science and technology, new electronics

Interesting materials of the Free Technical Library:

▪ section of the site Riddles for adults and children. Article selection

▪ article Tape instead of a parachute. Tips for a modeler

▪ article For what purpose were ships in the First World War painted in a pattern resembling a zebra? Detailed answer

▪ article The tent will become more spacious. Tourist tips

▪ article VHF FM receiver on m / s KXA058. Encyclopedia of radio electronics and electrical engineering

▪ article Heads of loudspeakers broadband. Encyclopedia of radio electronics and electrical engineering

Leave your comment on this article:

All languages of this page

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews