Toguna Whispers

History & Significance

“Toguna Whispers” is a slender support pin from the low-roofed Dogon meeting house (toguna), where elders gathered to deliberate and pass on ancestral wisdom.

Carved from a single piece of native hardwood, its elongated form and subtle painted accents evoke the hushed murmurs of council discussions and the protective shelter provided by the toguna’s low canopy.

In Dogon culture, these pins not only brace the roof but also stand as silent witnesses to communal dialogue and conflict resolution—embodying respect, patience, and the collective voice of the village.

Embracing Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—this piece invites contemplation on shared governance and the power of listening across generations.