Golikro

Golikro deals with issues of regeneration, from culture to regenerative agriculture, and the impact of internal migration under the veil of the spirituality of the Baoule people.

Golikro is an impressive and thoughtful work that seamlessly combines documentary with the surreal. It’s an exploration of the rich tapestry of Baoulé culture and its deep-rooted connection to tradition, community and the timeless narrative of Goli, the protective deity composed of various animals, each with a unique role. The children of this cocoa’s community take on the mantle of responsibility, reminding us of the need to preserve the traditions and resources of the land while shedding light on the consequences of leaving their land, as the relocation of the village had made them forget their ancestral symbols and their importance. The choice of black and white photography is deliberate, emphasizing the timeless and universal nature of the series' themes. In summary, this work is a visual and spiritual journey that celebrates the power of tradition, transcending time and generations to preserve the earth and its resources.

© Olivier Khouadiani - Image from the Golikro photography project
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Akindinwa means spider in Baoule. A spider in its web, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative. This spider symbolizes the interconnection of the Baoulé culture with its ancestral traditions

© Olivier Khouadiani - Bakan gua bé ô Bonou means "children of the forest" in Baoule.
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Bakan gua bé ô Bonou means "children of the forest" in Baoule.

© Olivier Khouadiani - Caterpillar in a Cacao field, one of the references for Neo Goli
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Caterpillar in a Cacao field, one of the references for Neo Goli

© Olivier Khouadiani - Mi Ti means Head in Baoule, and we are witnessing the creation of the new Goli
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Mi Ti means Head in Baoule, and we are witnessing the creation of the new Goli

© Olivier Khouadiani - Image from the Golikro photography project
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In Baoule, Vié means death and Min means life. In this image, we're talking about regenerative agriculture, with "dead" cocoa pods coming back to life as nutrient-rich organic fertilizer.

© Olivier Khouadiani - Image from the Golikro photography project
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in Baoule Via means sun and kanji light. One of the Goli's new roles, created by the children, is to bring electricity to the village.

© Olivier Khouadiani - The warrior caterpillar, a version of the Neo Goli, who is a warrior ready to do anything to defend the community.
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The warrior caterpillar, a version of the Neo Goli, who is a warrior ready to do anything to defend the community.

© Olivier Khouadiani - One of the new Goli's spider shapes
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One of the new Goli's spider shapes

© Olivier Khouadiani - Image from the Golikro photography project
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Sasafoué, guardian in the Baoule language, is the guarantor of the preservation of tradition and the link with the physical world.

© Olivier Khouadiani - Image from the Golikro photography project
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Sa, meaning Hand in the Baoulé language, the Neo Goli , in one of its new roles, impacts its ecosystem, moving the bee within the flower, with the aim of making it spread pollen in areas that need it.

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