Recorded in 1952, these rare audiophile recordings from the Ivory Coast of Africa capture the music of two uniquely different West African tribes. The Malinke tribe (also known as Mandingo or Mandinka) are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. Originally from Mali, the Malinke have a rich oral history that is passed down through wandering minstrel poets known as griots. The griots are known for their drumming and also for their unique musical instrument, the kora. Music plays an important role in the lives of the Baoules who are originally from Ghana. Their music is characterized by vocal polyphony, the technique of parallel thirds and call and response. In addition to vocal music, there is a purely instrumental music reserved for special occasions (funerals of a leader, enthronement of a king, etc.). Their scared music involves much symbolism and the use of masks. All selections newly remastered.