An Examination of Movements and Oral Poetry in the Performances of the Yoruba Bàtá Dance

Abstract

Dance is an important area of human study. This importance transcends the domain of mere entertainment thereby making it relevant in another context as it connects the bridge between the past to the present. Man’s quest for knowledge increases, so the need to keep record of important aspects is needed for future references and usage. This is a means by which we can preserve our art forms and indigenous cultural heritage. Dance in this context can be used to document some indigenous elements such as proverbs, wise sayings and poetry for the next generations. Till date, dance still carries some of the undocumented oral traditions of the indigenous societies in Africa. This paper lays its hinges on sociological aesthetic theory and submits that the Yoruba Bàtá dance has the same capacity to document oral traditions (poetry and prose) of the Yoruba people. This paper aims to uncover the codified meanings when playing a talking drum in Yoruba Bàtá performance, for both the dancer and the spectator. These meanings are in form of proverbs, warnings, wise sayings and teachings. This research adopts literary engagement with written materials, as well as observation as it concludes that the Yoruba Bàtá dance has teachings of oral tradition embedded in it for the future generations. This makes Yoruba Bàtá dance a documentative platform for indigenous oral traditions and performances from time immemorial till date.