What is the Zaouli mask dance?

What is the Zaouli mask dance?

Zaouli is a traditional mask dance of the Guro ethic group of Côte D’Ivoire that was created in the 1950s. In Guro communities, the dance is performed at celebrations, special events, and funerals, and also in inter-village festivals and dance competitions, according to UNESCO.

How is the Zaouli dance performed?

Zaouli, Through the Eyes of the Observer “At the outset the dancer uses pompom like objects to signal the rate of the drum beat. The dance itself is physically demanding, and the dancer undertakes a type of duel with the audience.

What is the history of Zulu dance?

This traditional dance is most often associated with Zulu culture. It is performed with drums and full traditional attire and is derived from the war dances of the warriors. This war dance is untouched by Western influence probably because it is regarded as a touchstone of Zulu identity.

What is Kumpo dance?

A Kumpo is a mythical figure of the Jola people of Gambia and Senegal. A ‘Kumpo’ is the centre of the action at a village celebration. He is dressed in palm leaves and has a stick coming out of the top of his head and he dances! Almost looking like a haystack.

Why do we dance Zulu?

The Zulu dance is a sign of happiness. It is done on Zulu weddings, crowning of kings, when a child is born, when a war is won and testing of virgins. The men have their way of singing and dancing, called Indlamu.

What happens if you touch a Kumpo?

The Kumpo is dressed in dried palm leaves and it is forbidden to touch it and to try and look through the palm leaves would be sacrilege. It is believed to be a ghost and serves as a reminder to the villagers to be a good member of the community.

Who created The Zaouli mask dance?

Zaouli is a popular mask dance created by Gouros in the fifties. Legends at the origin of the Zaouli mask and dance are diverse, but all say that they were inspired by a very beautiful girl named “Djela Lou Zaouli”, daugther of Zaouli….

What is the history of Zaouli?

Zaouli is a popular mask dance created by Gouros in the fifties. Legends at the origin of the Zaouli mask and dance are diverse, but all say that they were inspired by a very beautiful girl named “Djela Lou Zaouli”, daugther of Zaouli…. Each Gouro village has its local Zaouli dancer, who performs during funerals or parties.

What happens when you wear a Zaouli mask?

Donning a Zaouli mask has a profound effect on its wearer. The process is taken seriously and filming it is prohibited. Only the initiated are permitted to bear witness – and women are strictly forbidden. “The bearer changes,” Anoh explains, “the spirits take control of him.

What is Zaouli de Manfla?

Zaouli de Manfla: The Zaouli dance of the Ivory Coast, West Africa. Zaouli de Manfla, a mask dance from the Gouro or Kweni culture, filmed by African dance teacher Konan Kouakou David in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. Of the tradition, he writes: Zaouli is a popular mask dance created by Gouros in the fifties.