The Ligbi (or Ligby) are a West African people living primarily in Ghana and Ivory Coast. Related to the Dioula, they are historically merchants who have long traded kola nuts and gold, but many have since become farmers.
Related to the Senufo, the Ligbi people, living close to the Senufo have moved from west Ghana to the Côte d'Ivoire.
Globally, this group totals 31,800 in 2 countries. The Ligbi of Ghana are numbering 22,500 (Peoplegroups.org, 2025)
The population speaking the Ligbi language is also known as Wela (or Hwela) or Numu. They are originally from Ghana who then moved to Ivory Coast and now live divided between the two countries. They are mostly Islamized but still keep alive ancestral rites and customs such as the use of masks during parties and celebrations.
Their language is Ligbi, a Mande language. The total number of speakers is estimated at 19,000, including 15,000 in Ghana in 2003 and 4,000 in Ivory Coast in 1991.[2] Akan languages are also spoken.They found themselves in the Begho Empire in Ghana after helping the Ashanti fight the Anguna from Togo who wanted to seize Ghanaian lands because, in addition to being wealthy traders, they were warriors, mistyques. It is this same role of protectors of the king that they assumed in Bouna when they found themselves there after the decline of the Begho Empire. In Bouna, their village is Kintan and in Bouna town, their headquarters is Ligbisso.
The Islamized communities who live as traders and artisans among non-Moslem groups in extensive areas of northern Côte d'Ivoire are known for an institution called do or lo, one of whose most striking public manifestations is colorful masquerade dancing.
Though in decline, the custom is still practiced on important Islamic holidays, especially at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. The feast goes on for severaldays. The performance of the maskers is accompanied by drums, singing and dancing, it expresses the joy of the faithful that the period of fasting is over. Prayers and sacrifices alternate for a full week before the assembled village.
The masks are very influenced by the neighboring Senufo as shown by the Ligbi mask on the side which has many characteristics of the Senufo mask called kpeliye'e. The difference is noted in the semi-circular eyes and in the use of pigments.
Ligbi masks are characterized by their pointed chins, half-closed eyes, scarifications, and the use of blue pigments.[4] The side wings bear witness to the influence of Senufo art.
In the mask on the side, anthropomorphic features are combined with the hornbill's bird beak, which is the most distinctive feature of these masks. The hornbill is honored by the Jimini, Ligbi, Senufo and other ethnic groups of the region who attach great importance to this bird, considering it one of the mythical primordial animals, a guardian of the souls of the dead and a symbol of fertility.
The mask is worn during the funeral dances of illustrious Muslim clerics or during festivities related to the Muslim civil year as well as at the end of Ramadan, the month-long Islamic fast. The masked ones are highly admired for the grace of their dance movements, when they perform in pairs and in perfect unison. They are also appreciated for the positive qualities attributed to the hornbill, whose behavior and family life are considered exemplary by the Ligbi.
With its lateral wings, Ligbi masks show the influence of Senufo kpelie mask. Nevertheless, the downcast curved eyes and the use of pigments are typical for Ligbi masks. To complete these masks, oil and make-up are applied and during the performance they are adorned with gold and silver jewelry. In the other type of mask (Yangaleye), human features are combined with the powerful bill of the hornbill bird. The Ligbi attach great importance to this bird, considering it one of mythical primeval animals, an attendant on the souls of the dead and a symbol of fertility. These masks are also popular among the do society. They are danced during the funerals of distinguished Moslem holy men, and their performances also mark the end of Ramadan. The masqueraders are greatly admired for the grace of their dance movements, which they perform in pairs and in perfect unison. They are also valued for the positive qualities ascribed to the hornbill, whose behavior and family life are considered exemplary by the Ligbi.
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