The hunt!
/The first day of the Kobine festival! Had a great breakfast at the guesthouse, and then headed to meet the chief of Lawra. After meeting with the chief, a large procession to the festival grounds started. Chiefs and queen mothers from the surrounding area walked under vibrant red umbrellas. Accompanying the chiefs and queen mothers were musicians and festival attendees slowly walking while singing, gyil playing musket fire. Not something you see everyday in America or Ghana.
After the procession every group that was to perform at Kobine took to the field playing and dancing, creating sonic chaos. From that point the chief poured libations and the festival had officially started. The first cultural event was the demonstration of the hunt. It is said that Lawra was discovered from a hunting party. To demonstrate this hunt, one group of people slowly walk around holding elephant and water buffalo hides. The second group slowly stalks them with empty muskets. While the muskets weren't dangerous, they were extremely loud.
After the hunt dalari groups from around the area performed. Dalari are drums made from clay pots in groups of five. While I have heard dalari many times, This was my first time seeing dancing accompany the drums. After the morning cultural events, the festival turned its focus to local politicians and festival sponsors giving speeches. In the late afternoon Mike, myself and Dorwana enjoyed a nice cold beer and relaxed. Before the end of the day all groups performed at the same time to close the festival. For the rest of the evening the three of us did some exploring then headed back to the guesthouse. Tomorrow would start the competition portion of the festival, and have at least one surprise!
