Dimorphic figure

The figure representing a man and a woman joined together is a very symbolic representation referring to mythical times. After the creation of the world, Amma, the supreme God of the Dogon, wished to unite with a woman-Earth. Unfortunately, the first rapprochement was not successful. Also unsuccessful was its fruit, Yurugu, who was born as an only child and thus posed a threat to the order of the universe. Fortunately, the reunion of Amma with the Earth took place without any obstacles. The abundant rain as a symbol of the divine seed penetrated her womb and made her pregnant. Nommo was born as the first pair of twins, perfect and complete children. Yurugu, alone and wandering aimlessly, wanted to possess his Earth-mother and, although she refused and would not give in to him, he forcibly brought them together. The incestuous, violent act shook the whole universe. Amma became disgusted with the Earth and the further creation of perfect twins was seriously threatened.The first human pair was therefore created without the participation of a divine spouse. Amma made the first human ancestors out of clay and Nommo equipped them with two souls, a female and a male, to ensure twin births forever. Since then, every human being, immediately after birth, is a perfect twin with the characteristics of both sexes. The male soul in women is in the clitoris, while the female soul in men is in the foreskin. The world order symbolised by the birth of twins has been restored. A man and a woman constitute an ideal couple, which reflects mythical, perfect twins.

Ewa Prądzyńska