Drums from the Past
Overview
Filmed in May 1971 in Niger, this short documentary records a possession ritual performed by the Simiri people in response to a locust invasion. The ceremony centers on the beating of the archaic drums Tourou and Bitti, used to invoke spirit forces through music, dance, and trance. Shot in a single continuous take, the film documents a concentrated moment of collective ritual practice, reflecting Jean Rouch’s first-person ethnographic approach and direct participation in the event.
Details
| Status: | Released |
|---|---|
| Release Date: | 1971-01-01 |
| Production: | Comité du film Éthnographique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS Images |
