Every five years, Dama memorial ceremonies are held to accompany the dead into the ancestral realm and restore order to the universe. During the Dama celebration, Youdiou villagers circle around stilt dancers. The dance and costumes imitate a long-legged water bird. The dancers execute difficult steps while teetering high above the crowd. Through such rituals, the Dogon believe that the benevolent force of the ancestor is transmitted to them.
Their self-defense comes from their social solidarity, which is based on a complex combination of philosophic and religious dogmas, the fundamental law being the worship of ancestors. Ritual masks and corpses are used for ceremonies and are kept in caves. The Dogons are both Muslims and Animists.