Baule Village/Wilderness

              People who depend for their sustenance on the forest and savanna ecosystems in which they live face many uncertainties including poor soil and erratic rainfall.  These constant problems serve as a catalyst for symbolic representation. One of the most evident is the organization of settlement space.   One such culture that occupies a land in accordance with principles of the dichotomy between village and wilderness is Baule.  

A traditional Baule village is commonly found near a patch of forest,  hidden from the passerby and protected from wildfires that occur during the dry season in the bush.

The first step in the construction a new village is civilizing a space. This is done by clearing the land of any thing that can be classified as nature. Buildings are then constructed close together with  doorways facing inwards. Villages usually have an open space, or court yard (as seen below),  for dancing, judgments, carrying-the-corpse rites at a funeral, divinations affecting the whole village, and other community activities.

Above- Forest seen from the center of Diamalabo Akwe Regio.1972 (XVI)

"Baule a country of transition and ambiguity, where movement is relatively easy yet mounted armies could not penetrate, where the countryside seems accessible  but fields, paths, and villages are almost invisible unless you know where to look. Both open and closed, inviting and protective, the Baule area has welcomed immigrants and harbored small villages for a very long time" (XVI)

Village of Andobo- Aluibo

(Click on  image to see  larger view  and legend)

 Baule  •  Village Wilderness Activity •  Other Village Wilderness Views  •  Intermediate Space  •  Art

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