The Dogon are an indigenous group of people who currently live in the west African country of Mali. Essentially untouched by outside cultures, they have been able to maintain independence from external influence and continue a civilization that is believed to have begun before 3000 B.C.. Evidence suggests that the Dogon migrated from ancient Egypt to their present location to escape a forced conversion to Islam in the 1500s. Due to their isolation and commitment to preserve indigenous teachings and tradition, they have a unique and vast knowledge of astronomy, biology and social and political philosophy. Each aspect of Dogon life has a practical and spiritual value. They have been able to maintain a unique social harmony among their civilization where murder, theft, suicide and even greed are rare. Disputes are handled by debate in an open forum. Their deep understanding of matter, life and the origin of the universe has sparked the interest of modern scholars and academics.