Curious how the world started for the Dogon?

In the beginning, before time as we know it, there was only darkness and chaos. But then, Amma, the first being in the creation, and the creator god himself, appeared and brought order to the universe. With his mighty hands, he shaped the Sun, the Moon, the stars, and the Earth from clay and breathed life into them.

At first, everything was peaceful and harmonious. The Sun and the Moon took turns lighting up the sky, the stars twinkled in the darkness, and the Earth teemed with life. But then, Amma's desire for power and control threatened to upset the delicate balance of things.

One day, Amma tried to force himself on the Earth, but a termite hill rose up to protect her. The Earth, in spite of the termites' sacrifice, gave birth to Yoruga and his sister, imperfect twins from whom all humans descended. They were flawed, but they were also resilient and resourceful, and they learned to survive in a world that was often harsh and unforgiving.

According to the myth, the Pale Fox was also created in the beginning. Originally intended to be one of a pair of twins birthed by the Earth, the Pale Fox's creation was thwarted by the violent deeds of Amma, resulting in a disturbance of the cosmic equilibrium. This disturbance led to the birth of the Pale Fox, whose presence signifies the disruption of the orderly universe caused by Amma's aggression.

In contrast to the teachings and values embraced by the Nummo, who embody wisdom, harmony, and order in Dogon mythology, the Pale Fox exists in isolation and marginalization. Ultimately, the Pale Fox serves as a constant reminder of the repercussions that arise from interfering with the natural order and emphasizes the significance of preserving balance and harmony within the universe, as Dogon beliefs and teachings underscore.

Meanwhile, there were the Nummo, perfect beings that looked part-human and part-fish. They lived in the depths of the ocean and possessed great wisdom and knowledge. They saw the struggles of humanity and took pity on them. They emerged from the water and taught important lessons to the humans.

The Nummo taught man the sacred revelations that give order to the world. They emphasized the importance of nature's voice in the rustling grass, the need for order in communities (symbolized by weavings), and the significance of communication (drum) and sustenance (granary). These teachings aimed to help humans live in harmony with nature, maintain social order, and respect the Earth.

For a time, the humans listened to the Nummo and lived in peace and harmony. They built great cities and monuments, cultivated crops, and raised families. But then, as time went on, they forgot the lessons of the Nummo. They became greedy and selfish, exploiting the Earth and each other for their own gain.

The Nummo saw what was happening and were saddened. They knew that humanity was headed for disaster if they didn't change their ways. So, they returned to the depths of the ocean, leaving the humans to their fate.

But some humans remembered the teachings of the Nummo and worked to preserve them. They created art, music, and stories that celebrated the Earth and its wonders. They formed communities that valued cooperation and respect. And they passed down these values from generation to generation.

Today, we still have much to learn from the myth of Amma and the Nummo. We must remember to respect nature, to live in communities, and to value our connection with the Earth. Only then can we hope to create a balanced and flourishing world for ourselves and future generations.