Walking stick - Wood - Red Dogon statue

Dogon Figure Statue - Mali
The Dogon is the spiritual leader of the village.
He is elected from among the oldest men of the village families. After his election he must undergo six months of initiation, during which he is not allowed to shave or wash himself. He wears white clothing and no one is allowed to touch him.
A prepubescent virgin girl takes care of him, cleans his house, and prepares his meals. She returns home at night.

After his initiation, he will wear a red bonnet. He has an armband with a sacred bead that symbolizes his function.
The virgin is replaced by one of his wives, but she also returns home at night. The Hogon must live alone in his house.
The Dogon believe that the sacred serpent Lébé comes at night to purify him and convey wisdom..