The Hogon is the
religious leader of the
Dogon tribe, and is extremely powerful. His primary duties are to bless, heal, and reside over ceremonies, especially the
Sigi. It is said that he is descended from a long line of Hogon, the first of which fell from the
sun with the first
molten ore of iron.
The Hogon lives in a special hut inside the village, and everything he needs is brought to him. He must wear iron sandals at all times, even inside his hut. He cannot leave the hut unattended, instead he is carried on the shoulders of four Dogon men. The reasoning behind these precautions is simple. Since it is believed he came from the sun, where his bare feet touch the ground the earth will be scorched barren forever.