This project is currently being developed as a supervision collaboration, being led from Goldsmiths, University of London. The research examines dance sequences of similar socio-emotional significance in nine small-scale societies to test the hypothesis that rhythm originates in mutual entrainment as opposed to originating in external entrainment to a musical beat. The small scale societies are Bohinemo, Fore, and Tobrianders (Papua New Guinea), Sadong (Borneo), Dani (Indonesia), Serer-Safen and Bedik (Senegal), and Waorani (Amazonian Ecuador). Only ethnographic research is undertaken on Dioula dances in Cote d’Ivoire. Fieldwork has commenced on 1 March 2023 with a base at Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Senegal and at the West African Research Center, Dakar, Senegal. It is now continuing in South America (since March 2024) with a base at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Ecuador. Fieldwork in Africa and South America is funded by the Leverhulme Trust.
Decorative game in a Waorani house in Apaika in the Amazonian rainforest
Mamadou and Tudor discussing field work logistics at UCAD-Senegal in January 2021
Women’s dance belt in Bandafassi village, Kedougou region, Senegal, September 2023
Moonrise in the Amazonian rainforest near Meninpare, Pastaza province, Ecuador, September 2024
Data collection among the Serer-Safen, June 2023
Bedik women after two boys’ initiation ceremony
Dancers possessed by Vodun spirits bring good fortune to a community in Benin