Introduction
Côte d’Ivoire is full of unparalleled ethnic diversity. Traditional dances of the Ivorian terroir play a leading role in promoting culture. They are also a way of bringing together sons and daughters from different regions of the country. A journey towards some of the most famous traditional Ivorian dances is offered to us in order to learn more about these cultural treasures.
Goly Tama in Baoule Country
The Baoulé people are a people living mainly in the center of Côte d’Ivoire. The Goly Tama comes from the village of Bendèkouassikro located 5 kilometers from the city of Bouaké. This traditional dance generated by a heterogeneity of dance steps offers the public a spectacular experience. The particularity of the Goly Tama is marked by the presence of the steps of the Zaouli (traditional dance) which invite themselves as if by magic in the silence to brighten up the human tide and the horn whistler who brings his touch of sounds. This atmosphere makes the Goly an opening to other horizons. One of the wishes of the Baoulé people is to one day see the Goly Tama registered as a UNESCO cultural heritage site.
The Zaouli
Zaouli or Zahouli is a mask dance created in Gouro area in the 1950s. It is clearly the identity of these people. Also called Djela lou Zaouli which means Zaouli, the daughter of Djela. This dance has been adopted by a large number of other ethnic groups paying homage to feminine beauty, the Zaouli is inspired by two masks: the Blou and the Djela. It is also known to hold powers to increase the productivity of the village in which it is practiced. The Zaouli has an educational, playful, and aesthetic function. Bearer of the cultural identity of its holders, it also contributes to the preservation of the environment by promoting integration and social cohesion. This dance is the link between all the dances of the country based above all on the agility of the dancer. The best of them who were auditioned by a UNESCO jury, before its classification as world heritage, were timed at more than 200 steps per minute.
The Temate
Tématé is a Wê dance from the west that is performed by young girls. It is a tribute from them to the spirits favorable to an abundant rice harvest. Tématé is a dance of rejoicing that tells the story of rice and its seed to its harvest. Its name means more beautiful in Wê. Traditionally, Tématé is danced by young girls who mime the stages of rice cultivation (clearing, sowing, harvesting, winnowing). This legendary traditional dance can be performed during a funeral.
The Adjoss
Adjoss is a popular rhythm in Baoulé country. This dance mainly highlights vocal qualities. In the song, the audience repeats the soloist’s phrase and after a while, we change phrases then we come back to the same phrase. Sidonie la Tigresse who presents herself today as the diva of this musical genre, and several other traditional-modern artists have contributed to giving the letters of nobility to Adjoss.
The Abodan
Abodan is a traditional dance from the Akan country, specifically from the Agni people. It is performed in the Indénié-Djuablin region, east of Côte d’Ivoire. Abodan is danced during major cultural events such as the yam festival or purification festival which brings together all the sons and daughters of the kingdom around their sovereign. A solemn way of thanking and worshiping the spirits and ancestors for their assistance and protection. It is also performed on the occasion of the funeral of a rich man and major cultural and traditional meetings.
Conclusion
In Côte d’Ivoire, a point of honor is given to traditional dances in all their diversity. These dances which are initially dances of rejoicing, reflect for the most part, a state of mind and constitute a means of expression and gathering. However, there remains a plethora of traditional dances to be made known to the general public, because Côte d’Ivoire is full of four ethnic groups of more than sixty ethnicities.
