Hogon

thumb|right|240px|A Hogon, in Mali A hogon is a spiritual leader in a Dogon village who plays an important role in Dogon religion.

==The life of a hogon== thumb|right|240px|A hogon house A hogon is a religious figure as well as a temporal authority; the hogon may be hereditary or may be chosen from among the village elders—custom varies from place to place. The hogon is always a man. After being chosen, a hogon must pass through several months without washing or shaving. After initiation, he wears a red cap, and a pearl bracelet. Hogon live alone and should be celibate, but a village girl may act as a maid. Nobody should touch the hogon.