I found a really interesting article on the BBC News website about tourism in Mali, the main attraction being Dogon country, and whether it is more beneficial or detrimental. The article can be read here. The Dogon people have lived almost completely isolated from the world in the central plateau of Mali but new roads have made the area more accessible and therefore it has become a major tourist attraction. Joan Baxter explains how tourism to Mali is rising by 4% every year and 82,000 people head to Dogon Land. The Sigui dance of the masks is used as an example to portray how tourism is affecting the culture of the Dogons. It is performed in high secrecy every 60 years but can be seen being performed for tourists every day. The article goes on to explain how Mali then faces a dilema as it needs tourism for its economy but at the same time it is a major threat to the heritage of the Dogon people.

At first I was finding it hard to find a reason and a solid context for making a book about the Dogon tribe but the damaging effects of tourism and issues of exploitation provide a solid theme. I would like my book to both educate people about the art work of the tribe and what is happening to them today.