Valèpouè
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Dates2019 - 2019
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Author
- Topics Portrait, Social Issues, Documentary
- Location Ivory Coast, Côte d'Ivoire
This project comes from my desire to showcase the richness of my culture as a lover of Africa. In the age of globalization, I think it is important that the coming generation has the right to know its culture and history; artists have the right to leave traces that will testify to our culture
Valèpouè is an appellation in the language ABOURE (an ethnicity of Ivory Coast) which designates the women newly mothers, the nursing mothers, who are at their first maternity. This birth has a special meaning for the Abouré people. It considers as an act of kindness, expansion of their populations and especially a guarantee for the sustainability of the people and its culture. Thus, these VALEPOUE women will be gracefully dressed, of a traditional, particular and customary style by their mothers or aunts to them: the Valèpouè will be adorned, made up, coiffed and oiled to bring out and magnify all the brightness of a mother. We will then attend a majestic parade of these women in the streets of Bonoua. They proudly present themselves to the population so that they understand that they are now new mothers and have contributed to the enlargement of the people. A presentation to which the population will respond by offering presents; meaning of pride, approval and encouragement.