This post discusses the cultural heritage of Guinea starting from the Culture and further more the heritage sites therein.
CULTURE OF GUINEA
Music is at the heart of Guinean culture and can traditionally be divided into types corresponding to the country’s geographic and ethnolinguistic regions. Although these local styles vary, they are all characterized by heavy use of percussion and string instruments. One of the best-known styles is Manding music, the traditional music of Mande-speaking peoples (the Susu). Its most important instrument is the kora, a harplike instrument made from a dried and hollowed-out gourd.
Read: POLITICAL HISTORY OF GUINEA
The professional National Guinean Ballet, which emerged after independence, has retained some of the dance and music of the distinct ethnic and regional groups. Creative accomplishments in modern dance and popular music have given Guinean musicians and singers an international reputation. One of the best-known contemporary Guinean musicians is Mory Kanté, who has combined traditional sounds with a Western beat.
Until 1984 artistic and literary expressions were limited largely to African themes by the single political party and its leader. As a result, Guinean writers of the post-independence period exhibited a strong sense of nationalism. As greater openness of expression returned, a distinctly Guinean literature gradually emerged.
Handicrafts in Guinea, as elsewhere in Africa, declined sharply during the colonial era with competition from manufactured consumer goods. The lack of tourism and creative marketing since independence has limited the amount of change and innovation in local crafts, so that the leatherwork, wood carving, and jewelry produced in Guinea tend to be more genuinely ethnic than elsewhere in western Africa.
HERITAGE SITES OF GUINEA
The Sites in Guinea have resulted from the recognition of 1 cultural and natural landmark as Heritage Sites in Guinea and 3 locations on the Guinea tentative list. These tourist sites in Guinea are acknowledged for their unique and valuable cultural, natural, artistic, and historical significance and are preserved for future generations to enjoy.
In addition to these sites in the Guinea list, there are many other places to travel to Guinea that are being considered for recognition. These sites, listed on the tentative list, showcase the rich cultural heritage of the country and are waiting for approval to join the prestigious and famous Heritage Sites list.
All of these three sites are listed under the Cultural category.
MOUNT NIMBA STRICT NATURE RESERVE
Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site located in West Africa, spanning the borders of Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia. This extraordinary reserve is characterized by its majestic mountain range, dense rainforests, and unique biodiversity. Mount Nimba is home to numerous endemic plant and animal species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike. The diverse ecosystems found within the reserve, ranging from lowland forests to grassy savannas, offer a rich tapestry of natural wonders to explore. With its stunning landscapes and exceptional ecological value, Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve stands as a testament to the importance of conservation and the preservation of our planet’s natural heritage.
GUINEA TENTATIVE LIST
- Architecture vernaculaire et paysage culturel mandingue du Gberedou/Hamana
- Paysage culturel des monts Nimba
- Route de l’esclave en Afrique segment de Timbo au Rio Pongo