indigenous group

Indigenous Group
Name
Institution

Indigenous Group
An indigenous group can refer to a group of people that occupied territory before they could be incorporated into a country, that is characterized with different political and social practices from most of the other ethnic groups present in that country.
The Dogon people are considered one of the existing indigenous groups of people in Africa. The Dogon are found in Mali with a history suggesting that they are descendants of ancient Egyptians. They are linked to the ancient Egyptians and considered indigenous because they share great knowledge and wisdom in astronomy (de MONTELLANO, 1996). They believe that they are the decedents of the people who had inhibited the Sirius star but visited the area in 3200 B.C.
The Dogon are known for having a vast knowledge not only of Sirius star but also of its major system, Sirius A, B, and C before the scientific discovery that started bringing into light the existence of this system (de MONTELLANO, 1996). They called it the brightest star and even knew that Sirius B could not be seen by naked eyes. This wisdom is believed to have been shared by the ancient Egyptians who also exhibited a deep understanding of the Sirius.
The Dogon people are also known for their rich culture that they have exhibited throughout history. They practice mask performances where individual or group of men dance in masks at the end of mourning. The masks are made of wood which they paint and use to conceal the head of the dancer.

The masks are believed to contain myths in relation to astronomy, ancestors, animals, and plants that they believed played an important role in their history. They possess a great technology of woodwork. Most of their art and practices revolve around their religious values. The Dogon, however, practices agriculture mostly engaging in the cultivation of crops such as millet and many others.
Reference
De MONTELLANO, B. R. O. (1996). The Dogon People Revisited. Skeptical Inquirer, 39.