Introduction
The Gouro are a Mandingo people of West Africa, comprising some forty tribes located in west-central Côte d’Ivoire. Their main towns are Bouaflé, Daloa, Oumé, Vavoua and Zuénoula. They sculpt masks that are the object of sacred dances and celebrations, including the Flaly.
This article first examines the etymology, history and occasions of the Flaly. It then describes the Flaly, its mode of transmission and its importance.
Etymology, brief history and release opportunities
Etymologically, the name Flaly is composed of fla, meaning “Fulani ”, and ly, meaning “woman”. With this in mind, Flaly means “Peul woman”. It’s a mask with a feminine face that embodies beauty and elegance in Gouro country. It’s a traditional dance of rejoicing inherited by the Gouro from a neighboring people called Wan. Practiced since 1970 by the inhabitants of Petit Zirifla, in the Zuénoula department, the Flaly is performed by men on the occasion of happy events (dowry, marriage, etc.) and unhappy ones (funerals), to help them forget the sadness of death.
Description of the Flaly
The Flaly mask has a feminine face with bird feathers at the nape of the neck. The dance is performed with the whole social body, involving a dancer, an orchestra and an audience. The dancer is an experienced performer, trained in body expression and foot agility. He wears bells on his feet, combined with fibrous bark socks, and a bark sock skirt at the hip. The rest of his body is covered in a two-tone garment. A traditional loincloth with multicolored motifs, linked to the mask, covers his chest. He holds oxtails in his hands.
His orchestra is made up of singers [lεrεvomu], percussionists [milidgεmu], medium-sized drums [toumbalo], a wooden drum with side slits [klale], calabash idiophones [pla] and flautists [fluvomu]. Flaly is open to people of all ages and social classes.
Significance and transmission
Flaly is passed on through musical performances and apprenticeships with experienced practitioners. Its viability is ensured by popular performances, festivals and inter-village dance competitions.
It involves sculpture, weaving, music and dance. It is an important cultural asset with educational, recreational and aesthetic functions. As a bearer of cultural identity, the Flaly serves to reinforce solidarity between lineages and clans, and to foster integration and social cohesion. It deserves special attention.
Conclusion
A traditional celebration practice in Gouro country, Flaly involves sculpture, weaving, music and dance, and has educational, recreational and aesthetic functions. With its ability to strengthen solidarity between lineages and clans, and to foster integration and social cohesion, this Gouro cultural treasure deserves special attention.
