The Baoulé of the Ivory Coast

Around 1730, warfare with the Ashanti of the Gold Coast drove the Baoule people to the Ivory Coast. Since settling there, the Baoule have developed a distinct music and dance culture for ceremonies honoring the gods and for secular enjoyment. In his liner notes, Donald Thurow provides extensive historical information and descriptions of instruments and ceremonies. He explains, “A rhythmic beat and a vocal chorus are a part of every folktale, and music without dancing is virtually non-existant (sic).”

Track Listing

101	Goli Dance	Baoulé singers, dancers with percussion and horn	04:22
102	Kloro Dance	Mourners at the funeral ceremonies for a village elder	01:58
103	Heirloom Instruments	Three Baoulé musicians	02:00
104	Djourou Harp / Djourou Harp and Voice	Solo Baoulé musician	02:48
105	Djourou Harp and Voice	Solo Baoulé musician	01:32
106	Flute (1)	Two flute players	01:01
107	Flute and Drum	Two flute players and drummer	01:39
108	Woman's Song	Female singer	01:39
109	Min Nouan Dance	Two dancers, drums and chorus of women	07:50
201	Man's Song	Male singer	01:52
202	Flute (2)	Two Baoulé flute players	01:49
203	Anougble Festival (1)	Baoulé musicians at a festival	02:39
204	Anougble Festival (2)	Baoulé musicians at a festival	02:06
205	Anougble Festival (3)	Baoulé musicians at a festival	04:53
206	Anougble Festival (4)	Baoulé musicians at a festival	02:07
207	Xylophone (1)	Two Baoulé musicians	00:46
208	Xylophone (2)	Two Baoulé musicians	00:59
209	Xylophone (3)	Two Baoulé musicians	01:29
210	Xylophone (4)	Two Baoulé musicians	00:34
211	Flute (3)	Two Baoulé flute players	01:28
212	Vocal Rendition of Flute Song	Two Baoulé singers imitating flute music	02:12
213	Vocal, with Chorus	Female singer with chorus	01:56