Zaouli de Manfla is a traditional mask dance of the Gouro people of central Ivory Coast. There are many legends about the origin of this tradition, but all of them talk about a beautiful girl called Djela Lou Zaouli, which translates to "The Lion's daughter." The mask represents feminine beauty and comes in various colors with beautiful features. The dance itself gives a glimpse into the culture and traditions of the local people.
Zaouli Dancing
Every village of Gouro people has its own Zaouli dancer. Usually, the dancers perform at the funerals, various festivals, and parties. Musicians and singers of the orchestra call the dancer with the music. The dancer arrives in the mask, which is covered with the cloth. Later on, when the cloth is taken off, and the audience sees the beauty of the mask, the dancer starts to move very fast with a certain rhythm.
The movements of his hands and feet seem incredibly quick, while the upper body remains still. This dance requires a great level of endurance and strength. The Zaouli dances usually take place several times a week by the local communities on the Ivory Coast. Some tour organizers add Zaouli performances to their itinerary as part of the expeditions.
Fêtes des Masques
Every year, dancers compete at the Fêtes des Masques, which is one of the biggest festivals on the Ivory Coast. It features masked dances, processions, traditional music, and religious ceremonies. The festival is held all around the Ivory Coast, but some of the most famous celebrations take place in the Man, Korhogo, and Abengourou regions.
Festival des 18 Montagnes in Man Region (July 5-7, 2024)
Festival des 18 Montagnes, also known as the Festival of 18 Mountains, is a great opportunity to witness the cultural traditions and customs in action. Besides the Zaouli dance, the festival features Abondan, Fontomfrom, Adowa, and many other Ivorian dance performances. You'll have a chance to see Guéré and Wobé masks, most commonly observed in the region. The festival takes place in the Zadepleu village, located approximately 3 miles (5 km) from Man.
Mask & Costume
The Zaouli dance masks and attire are considered the cultural heritage of Côte d’Ivoire. Colorful and vibrant, the masks come in different designs and shapes, showcasing the talent of local craftsmen and sculptors. Carved out of Yaranza wood, each art piece takes about six days to complete. Each of the masks conveys one of the seven Ivory Coast legends and may include animalistic details, small sculptures carved into the mask and most importantly, feminine features.
The costumes consist of patterned fabric completely covering the upper body. The hands and the fabric are adorned with ruffles. The pants or stockings are typically chosen to compliment the rest of the costume, reflecting some of the already-seen patterns.
