Introduction / History

The Dogose of Burkina Faso are culturally similar to the Lobi-Wala people, who also live in the Volta River basin region of Burkina Faso. Their lifestyles, religious beliefs, histories, and geographic settings are almost identical. However, the Dogose speak a different language called Dogose (a Gan-Dogose dialect of the Gur language).

The Dogose are a small tribe which formerly lived in Ghana, east of the Black Volta River. However, since the eighteenth century, they have migrated across the river to their present location in south central Burkina Faso. One reason for this migration was the need for better farmland. Another was to avoid the frequent raids by invaders on horseback. The Dogose, like other groups in the river basin region, live in fortress-like compounds. The rectangular fortresses are made of clay or mud and have flat roofs and thick, high walls. The Dogose also use poisonous arrows to defend themselves against invaders.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Dogose are primarily farmers who migrate continually in search of adequate farmland. They raise cereals such as sorghum, millet, and maize, as well as yams, squash, beans, peppers and rice. They sell some of their crops in local markets, especially sorghum beer. Most families also raise cattle, sheep, goats, and chickens. Wage-paying jobs have recently attracted some of the Dogose to parts of southern Ghana or Cote d Ivoire.

On the farms, men do most of the work in the fields, but women help with the planting and harvesting. Women cultivate their own vegetable gardens, collect forest products, gather firewood, and haul water. They also prepare the meals and make the beer. Both men and women build the houses.

The Dogose live in village settlements, which consist of several compounds. The settlements are widely scattered to leave room for farming and each family's herds. Larger bush farms are located farther away from the settlements.

Children are cared for by their mothers and are breastfed until they can walk. At that time, children are considered to have become human and are entitled to a proper burial. Toddlers are cared for by their older sisters. Young girls play house around the compounds and sometimes help their mothers carry water or grind cereals. The boys help their fathers herd the cattle.

Formerly, a marriage was not considered complete until the birth of the first child. The husband and wife did not live together until that time. Today, some of the Dogose still follow the traditional marriage customs; however, many couples elope so that the wife may join her husband right away. After a couple is wed, a new sleeping room and cooking hearth are added to the compound.

Various ceremonies are held each year at the household shrines. For instance, at the end of the farming season, the abundance of grain is celebrated with dancing. Ceremonies also accompany events such as births, marriages, and deaths. The most important ceremonies, however, center on initiations into secret societies.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Dogose follow their traditional animistic beliefs. This means that they believe that non-living objects have spirits. They worship both the spirits of their deceased ancestors and the elements of nature. They believe that the earth watches over the community and brings fertility to its soil, while their ancestors watch over household matters.

What Are Their Needs?

The Dogose have few evangelistic resources available in their native language. Increased missions efforts, additional laborers, Christian broadcasts, and evangelistic literature are greatly needed to effectively reach the Dogose community with the Gospel. However, prayer is the first step toward seeing them reached.

Prayer Items

Pray that God will raise prayer teams to begin breaking up the spiritual soil of Burkina Faso through intercession.
Ask God to grant wisdom and favor to missions agencies focusing on the Dogose.
Pray that the Lord will raise long-term workers to join the few missionaries who have already responded.
Ask the Holy Spirit to complete the work begun in the hearts of the Dogose believers through adequate discipleship.
Ask the Lord to raise strong local churches among the Dogose.

Scripture Prayers for the Dogose in Burkina Faso.