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Rhythm and Dance of the Month
March 2008
Wolosodon
(pronounced: "whoa LO SO doan")
Alternate spellings and names:
Wolousodon, Wolossodon, Wollosodong, Djon Don, Jon Don, Djondon
Drums played for this rhythm
Ethnic Group:
Wolloso
Country of Origin:
Southeast region of Mali near the border of Burkina Faso
Historical Significance
Wolosodon was played for and by the caste of indentured servants who served the Royal courts of Manding chiefs and royal families in ancient times. The dance was a show of family pride and solidarity.
A slower variation of Wolosodon, called Djon Don, is a dance for women with movements that represent bondage. Wolosodon, with its lively up-tempo, celebrates the breaking of those chains and their liberation from bondage.
Wolosodon means “dance of the Wolloso,” or “dance of the slaves.”
