Rhythm and Dance of the Month
February 2011
Sorsornet
Drums played for this rhythm
Ethnic Group:
Country of Origin:
Historical Significance
Sorsornet
is a Baga dance of initiation assuring protection of youth and teaching
realities of life. Offerings are made to a masked dancer to request this
protection. Bread, palm wine and money are offered.
Sorsornet song is sung by young girls to thank their mothers; it is sung in the
moonlight when they are initiated and is also performed after the harvest.
Spirit of Sonrsonet is a lover and protector of children. He comes to the
village maybe 2-3 times per year then returns to the bush. The chants which
speak of honoring the mother and the releasing of the female child from the
domain of her parents.
The mask Sorsonet is like a guardian for the village. It belongs to a group of
people, but when you try to penetrate its secret they will know how to prevent
that. It is a mask against evil. Sorsonet is revered as protector of the
village. If someone has a severe problem (such as illness or childlessness) he
goes to the priest who then gets the mask. This can happen approximately two to
three times a year. When the mask is inside the village the rhythm Sorsonet is
played and the mask moves through the village.
Today Sorsonet is also a popular rhythm to which men as well as women
dance."
