A hogon is a religious figure as well as a temporal authority;[1] 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.[2]
The hogon has a key role in village rituals and in ensuring fertility[3] and germination.[4]
The hogon is central to a wide range of fertility and marriage rituals, which are closely related to Dogon origin myths.[5]
The hogon may conduct rituals in the Sanctuaire de Binou, a special building the door of which is blocked with rocks.[6]
Creation myth
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According to legend, the first hogon, Lebe, was descended from a nommo. He was eaten by another nommo, and their spirits merged; the nommo vomited out a new Lebe (part human and part spiritual), plus copious liquid which shaped the landscape.[7]
