Introduction
The Dogon people of Mali, West Africa, are famous for their ancient knowledge of the Sirius star system. According to Dogon oral tradition, they received this knowledge from a race of amphibious beings known as the Nommo, who came from Sirius. How could a tribe with no advanced technology know about stars that were only discovered by modern astronomers in the 20th century?
Origins
The Dogon’s knowledge of Sirius was brought to light in the 1930s by French anthropologists Marcel Griaule and Germaine Dieterlen. They documented the tribe’s knowledge of the stars, particularly Sirius B, which is invisible to the naked eye. According to the Dogon, the Nommo arrived from Sirius and taught them about the heavens.
Theories and Evidence
- Ancient Alien Theory: Some believe the Dogon received their knowledge from extraterrestrials, possibly the Nommo, who were visitors from the Sirius star system.
- Cultural Transmission: Others suggest that the knowledge of Sirius was passed down through ancient African cultures, perhaps from Egyptian or Sumerian astronomers.
- Scientific Skepticism: Skeptics argue that the Dogon’s knowledge of Sirius may have been learned from outsiders, such as early astronomers, and that the stories were later mythologized.
Critical Analysis
The mystery of the Dogon’s knowledge of Sirius remains unresolved. Whether it was the result of ancient alien contact or cultural transmission, the tribe’s extraordinary knowledge continues to fascinate researchers and conspiracy theorists alike.