The Dogon are among African cultures that have remained closest to their ancestral traditions. This ancestors' dish or Ark of the world represents the Ark (trough) in which Nommo, the father of humankind, and the various gods of the Dogon pantheon came down to earth. The carved figures correspond to founding ancestors. They brought techniques, primeval seeds, ancestors, and animals. The handles of the container recall the horses, Nommo's incarnation after the Ark had reached the earth. The ceremonial containers were kept hidden away and taken out for the winter solstice ceremony, which brought together all the family's blood relatives. The meat cut from sacrificed donkey and sheep was placed in the dish before being shared out.