A 'Togu Na' - 'House of Words' - stands in every
Dogon village and marks the male social center.
The low ceiling, supported by carved or sculptured
posts, prevents over zealous discussions from
escalating into fights. Symbolic meaning surrounds
the Togu Na. On the Gondo Plain, Togu Na pillars
are carved out of Kile wood and often express
themes of fertility and procreation. Many of the
carvings are of women's breasts, for as a Dogon
proverb says, "The breast is second only to God."
Unfortunately, collectors have stolen some of the
more intricately carved pillars, forcing village elders
to deface their Togu Na posts by chopping off part
of the sculpted wood. This mutilation of the sculpt-
ed pillars assures their safety.
