Dogon, Jamsay in Mali

Introduction / History

Dogon is a prominent people group in West Africa, especially Mali. There are subgroups, one of which is the Jamsay. The Jamsay Dogon have their own dialect. They live in Mali and Burkina Faso.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most are farmers, though some are leather workers, metal workers or other craftsmen. Jamsay farmers grow peanuts, sesame, peas, beans and rice.

The Jamsay Dogon have no centralized form of government. Family is important to them. Their communities include extended families. Descent is through the father’s line, so they are patrilineal.

They highly value social harmony. The greatest offense to the Jamsay Dogon is false accusation. If it comes to light that person is innocent, the false accuser can only apologize and be at their mercy for the rest of their life.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Dogon peoples have elaborate mask ceremonies that have become tourist attractions. For example, there is a mask dance at funerals where the spirit of the deceased can see the world one last time. The mask has magic for only one ceremony. After that, they often sell the mask to tourists.

They once had animal sacrifices, but this is becoming less common, partly because of the Christian influence. The Jamsay Dogon are either Muslim or Christian, but they retain some of their ancient animistic beliefs.

What Are Their Needs?

All Dogon people, including the Jamsay subgroup, need to put all their faith in Jesus Christ rather than the spirit world.

They need better educational opportunities and hospitals.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to provide them with adequate rain as a testimony of his goodness, mercy and power.

Pray for a Holy Spirit directed faith in the King of kings.

Pray for Jamsay disciples to make more disciples who will make even more disciples.

Pray for better hospitals and schools for the Jamsay Dogon people.

Text Source:   Joshua Project