Parallel Migration: Dogon People and the Incas

The cliffs of Bandiagara and Machu Picchu have been recognized as a mixed natural and cultural world heritage sites because of their astronomical significance. The goal of this research was to investigate the migration patterns of the Dogon People and Incas in a comparative framework using their origin stories and the astronomical structures and or artifacts left behind. An abundant amount of information has been recovered and collected from many of the older wise men and priests, who have preserved their oral traditions as well as data from archaeological research about their cosmologies. The rituals and ceremonies performed at the time of the construction of the monolithic dome to mark the seasons by the Incas and preserved pottery markings by the Dogon are proof that these ancient people clearly understood their connection to the universe. Migration patterns of both people indicate that they fled invaders to avoid religious persecution and or maintain their culture. Despite their transcontinental movements and hardships associated with these long journeys in distance and time, the Peruvians like the Dogon People are resilient, industrious, creative, and masters of universal truths, otherwise, their footprints would not be so intriguing to people the world over.