Baka Music & The Technology of Enchantment Pt 4 (of 5) - Who or What are Mé?

Part Four - Who or What are Mé?
Most of the literature on Baka music concentrates on their “spirit dances”. What is actually meant by “spirit” is rarely, if ever, mentioned in the literature. In English the language for such things as “spirit” and “enchantment” have been heavily influenced by 1000 years of Christianity and given negative connotations, so the true meanings of words get lost in translation.
There seems to be an underlying inference that belief in “spirits” is a primitive animistic practice, rather than a rational interpretation of a real phenomenon that is indirectly revered in Western society in art, performance and sport, but which is never spoken about. The Baka call this mé.
Music, dance and ritual can all be treated as modes of communication on a continuum from non-verbal to verbal, which has music and language at opposite ends. The Baka will chose their mode of communication depending on who they are communicating with - villagers, family, animals, spirits. If communicating with spirits, or Mé, they will chose music and dance.
In part 4 we look at the mechanisms for manifesting Mé and the nature of Mé.
( Part Five - • Baka Music & The Techn... )
( Part One at • Baka Music & The Techn... )
Music:
01:09 Abale. Baka Forest People. Heart of the Forest. Hannibal Records
02:30 Bùma Dance. Baka Forest People. Martin Cradick field recordings Feb 2018
07:28 Abale Yeli. Baka Forest People. Martin Cradick field recordings Feb 1992
09:20 Topé Malangui Bodé. Baka Gbiné. Martin Cradick field recordings 2002
10:41 Mangissa. Aka Forest People. Echoes of the Forest. Ellipsis Arts
References:
00:35 Lewis 2009
00:47 Blacking 1985
00:54 Weig 2018
02:11 Tsuru 1998
02:33 Tsuru 1998
02:42 Lewis 2012
03:00 Lewis 2009
03:07 Lewis 2013
05:49 Feld 1988
06:20 Bundo 2001
07:27 Tsuru 1998
07:58 Tsuru 2001
09:34 Tsuru 1998
10:46 Lewis 2015
Blacking, John - "Music, Dance, Music and the Venda Girls' Initiation Cycle." in "Society and the Dance", edited by P Spencer, 64-91. Cambridge University Press, 1985.
Bundo, Daisuke. "Social Relationship embodied in Singing and Dancing Performances Among the Baka." African Study Monographs (The Centre for African Area Studies, Kyoto University) Supplimentary, no26 (March 2001)
Feld, Steven. "Aesthetics as Iconicity of Style, or 'Lift-up-over Sounding': Getting into the Kaluli Groove." "Yearbook for Traditional Music" 74-113 1988 '
Lewis, Jerome. "As Well as Words: Congo Pygmy Hunting Mimicry and Play." in "The Cradle of Language, Volume 2: African Perspectives", by Botha & Knight, 232-252. Oxford University Press, 2009.
Lewis, Jerome. "Response to Richard Widdess: Music, Meaning and Culture ." Empirical Musicology Review (Empirical Musicology Review) 7,98-101, 2012.
Lewis, Jerome. "A Cross-Cultural Perspective on the Significance of Music and Dance to Culture and Society." In "Language, Music and the Brain", 45-65. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2013.
Lewis, Jerome. "Where goods are free but knowledge costs." Hunter Gatherer Research (liverpool University press), no. 2, 2015.
Tsuru, Daisaku. "Diversity of Ritual Spirit Performances Among the Baka Pygmies in Southeastern Cameroon." African Study Monographs 47-84, 1998.
Tsuru, Daisaku. "Generation and Transaction Processes in the Spirit Ritual of the Baka Pygmies in Southeast Cameroon." African Study Monographs 103-123, 2001.
Weig, Doerte. "Resonating with Different Worlds: How Baka Music Practices Generate Sociality, Identities and Connection to Ritual Spirits ." In "Making Music, Making Society, edited by Josep Martí and Sara RevillaGútiez, 191-216. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2018

[@dmcdaniel2009]

LONG TIME FAN OF BAKABEYOND. THANKS FOR THIS TREASURE OF MUSIC AND DANCE AND WONDERFILLED EXPLANATION !!! MORE PLEASE!

[@bakabeyond]

Next episode next Friday 6pm GMT. All episodes at czcams.com/video/9UgELAAympo/video.html

[@DrCrabfingers]

Martin is that you narrating? This is on a whole new level of anthropological study. This is some serious stuff. I love it! You have moved from music making into the realm of anthropological record keeping and sharing your appreciation and understanding of this incredible culture. This is a work of cultural and scientific importance. An in depth radio interview with you and Sue is long overdue....Radio 3 Radio 4 please take note! I'd love to interview you guys....someone please make a special about Martin and Sue's relationship with the Baka.

[@bakabeyond]

Yes, it’s me. It’s based on my MA dissertation that I did as a podcast at SOAS. I felt I should learn how to transmit all I’ve learnt with the Baka over the last 30 years and meet people who can help further the work of our charity Global Music Exchange. Lockdown made the second aim difficult!

[@kykosakajangu3769]

Great one; I cannot thank you enough for this gem of wisdom. For over 30 years, your work has nourished my soul. Gratefully, Kyko.

[@bakabeyond]

You're very welcome. One Love

[@PaulKwitekmusic]

amazing

[@katyburrows1079]

This is just awesome I love this 🙂❤️❤️

[@moedodson4031]

Thank you

[@xtacy9880]

touching.