Germaine Dieterlen

Germaine Dieterlen was a French anthropologist renowned for her pioneering work in studying the belief systems, rituals, and social practices of the Dogon people of Mali. She contributed to understanding how their mythology and cultural traditions reflect their knowledge of astronomy, especially their detailed descriptions of stars and planets before the advent of modern telescopes. Dieterlen’s research emphasized the importance of cultural context in interpreting indigenous knowledge and helped expand anthropological understanding of African societies. Her work continues to influence studies of oral traditions, symbolism, and the relationship between mythology and science.