Dogon talisman 'sun' # 1

The Dogon are an ethnic group living in the central plateau region of Mali.

The Dogon have a very elaborate and ancient mythology. There is also the mythological story of a hunter who shot nine out of ten suns with his arrows. The tenth sun had hidden and the world was shrouded in darkness. Through frequent prayers of the high priests (Hogon) the sun appeared again. To commemorate this, an ornament was designed which is still worn by the Dogon: the Dogon sun. 

The art of bronze casting has a long and rich history in West Africa. In this tradition, a rough clay core is molded and then covered by a layer of bee's wax. The wax is carved and shaped into the desired design, then covered with more clay. Next, the mold is baked to melt and drain the wax, leaving an empty space between the inner and outer clay layers. Molten metal is carefully poured into the chamber, hardening to create the final shape. Finally, the outer layer of clay is chipped off, revealing the metal within.