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Music of the Kpelle of Liberia

Various Artists
Music of the Kpelle of Liberia

Liberian culture scholars Verlon Stone and Ruth Stone recorded this album of traditional Kpelle songs in 1970. Kpelle music can be divided into two categories, ceremonial and non–ceremonial, and spans themes related to life–cycle events, work, secret society activities, and protest. Two types of music, the sung folktale and signal music (which reflects speech patterns and communicates messages) receive special attention. Liner notes include a description of Kpelle society and culture as well as track notes.

Track Listing

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101
Wokpe, Ponaweni, Kao, Saki, and villagers of Gbeyeila Ta, Bong County
04:23
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102
Flumo of Totota, Bong County
03:42
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103
Lopuu and mixed chorus from Zonkâi, Bong County
05:23
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104
Poro Society initiates
02:36
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105
Four horn players, two drummers
04:14
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106
Group of children from Totota, Bong County
01:13
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201
Otto Giddings of Sanoyea, mixed chorus
05:49
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202
Sia-weli and women of a rice planting co-operative in Gbor
01:31
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203
Jokoli of Totota
01:00
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204
Jokoli of Totota
01:08
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205
Tokpa of Yanekwele, workers of a bush clearing co-operative, drummers
03:03
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206
Peter Giddings, Adam Kwana of Fokwele
03:06
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207
Gamai from Stewart's Rubber Farm near Totota, chorus, drummers
01:35
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208
Two performers from Kakata, Margibi County
03:43