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 antelope horn	04:22
102	Kloro Dance Baoulé men, masked dancers at funeral ceremony	01:58
103	Heirloom Instruments Three Baoulé musicians playing ivory horn and war drums	02:00
104	Djourou Baoulé musician singing and playing djourou harp	02:48
105	Djourou Harp and Voice Baoulé musician singing and playing djourou harp	01:32
106	Flute (1) Two Baoulé flutists	01:01
107	Flute and Drum Two Baoulé flutists, drummer	01:39
108	Woman's Song Baoulé woman	01:39
109	Min Nouan Dance Baoulé dancers, drummers, chorus of women	07:50
201	Man's Song Baoulé man with chorus	01:52
202	Flute (2) Two Baoulé flutists	01:49
203	Anougble Festival (1) Baoulé festival musicians, Sakassou village	02:39
204	Anougble Festival (2) Baoulé festival musicians, Sakassou village	02:06
205	Anougble Festival (3) Baoulé festival musicians, Sakassou village	04:53
206	Anougble Festival (4) Baoulé festival musicians, Sakassou village	02:07
207	Xylophone (1) Two Baoulé xylophone players	00:46
208	Xylophone (2) Two Baoulé xylophone players	00:59
209	Xylophone (3) Two Baoulé xylophone players	01:29
210	Xylophone (4) Two Baoulé xylophone players	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 Baoulé woman with chorus	01:56