CHAPITRE 0218th century

The Legend of Abla Pokou

Queen Pokou and the birth of the Baoulé

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According to legend, in the 18th century a branch of the Akan left present-day Ghana after a succession dispute, led westward by Queen Abla Pokou. Trapped against the Comoé River by pursuers, she offered her son to the river spirit, and her people crossed to safety. 'Ba-ou-li' is said to mean 'the child is dead', and from then on the group was called Baoulé.

It is the founding myth of the Baoulé, and it explains why people in central Côte d'Ivoire are so close to Ghana's Ashanti in language, kingship and gold culture.

CE QUE VOUS VERREZ · What you will see

When Ivorians tell the story of the time before the nation, they almost always mention a queen who sacrificed her own son for her people. The name Baoulé is said to come from that moment.

POURQUOI · So what

The Baoulé are among the country's largest groups, and the first president, Houphouët-Boigny, was Baoulé. The story is part of the national narrative, retold in schoolbooks, theatre and novels.

SAVOIR-FAIRE · How to use it

Mention Abla Pokou to a Baoulé friend and they will be surprised you know it. Tell it with respect: it is a sacred origin story, not a curiosity.

Asian and European parallelsA 'migration and sacrifice' founding myth, comparable to founding legends in many cultures: one person's sacrifice gives birth to a whole people.

On these routes

Three Days in the Heart of the Country: Yamoussoukro and Baoulé Land