Exellent post and congrats'n'thx for putting together so much factual information. Basically, my own conclusion remains the same as I stated in another thread, I'll quote here:
Originally posted by v01i0
The question is, in my opinion at least, why does Griaule's description of Dogon religious myths contradict with the reports before and after his study? In my opinion, they have perhaps tried to start a new New Age-myth. Another possibility is that they learned about all this stuff from European conquerers, but that's far fetched, as it wasn't common knowledge in Europe either. 3rd option is that someone is trying to hide something. Maybe they have these rituals after all, but no one wants to admit it Go see it yourselves."
However, as van Beek has shown, other studies made about Dogons of Mali, does not collaborate with Griaule's and therefore with Temple's claims. I haven't yet read Temple's book.. I wonder if he can stand against any of these arguments stated in OP?
This nevertheless is very interesting issue. What was the real purpose of this scam and why was it deployed - no matter which side is right? If the Templeists are correct, mainstream science is hiding real knowledge about matters, but if contradictory, someone tried to install a false belief amongst Dogons and effectively amongst truth seekers generally.
This however doesn't attack the cause of ufologist and those who believe in extraterrestial visitors, because I think the ancient tables of sumerians (amongst some other creational myths) are still quite interesting.
No matter what, very good job in 'denying ignorance' IsaacKoi. I'm still browsing this thread to see what other ppl think about all this.
Happy thoughts
[edit on 28-4-2008 by v01i0]
