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Zaouli, the Gouro mask dance

Zaouli

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The mask dance of the Gouro people, inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.

The Gouro belong to the southern Mandé and live west of the Baoulé; their masks combine animal and human features, and the rhythm comes from drums and flutes.

CE QUE VOUS VERREZ · What you will see

A dancer in a brightly coloured mask and raffia skirt, the upper body almost still, the feet moving too fast to follow.

POURQUOI · So what

One of the country's most visually striking traditional performances, often representing Côte d'Ivoire at national ceremonies.

SAVOIR-FAIRE · How to use it

See it live once and you will understand why people say the feet move too fast to see.

Asian and European parallelsCompare Taiwan's temple procession troupes, such as the Ba Jia Jiang: demanding physical performance at local festivals, carrying faith and community identity.

Where to experience itFestivals around Bouaflé and Zuénoula; festivals such as MASA.