CYPRESS : African Troupe Gives ‘Living History Lesson’

Before Friday, Candice Pierson knew nothing about the West African Fra Fra tribe and its customs. But after watching the Aba-Koma dance troupe perform at her school, the 11-year-old girl said she wants to know more.

“I’m going to go to the library and look up the tribe,” said Candice, who is African American. “I knew a little bit about my heritage but not that much.”

Dancer Fransisca Atule Leff said the purpose of the presentation was to raise awareness about a little-known culture.

Leff moved to the rhythm of a pulsating drum song played by her brother, Kofi Agana, as her husband, Bob Leff, explained the dances during an assembly at Damron Elementary School. The presentation, which included a slide show and mini-history lesson on the tribe from Gowrie Village in Ghana, was part of the school’s celebration of Black History Month.

Aba-Koma’s members belong to the Fra Fra tribe, which considers music and dance a major part of life. They described the tribe’s customs and displayed artwork, musical instruments, native costumes, baskets and currency used in Ghana.

“What’s on the money?” asked Beverly Dula, 11.

“They’re pictures of ordinary people: a mine worker, farmers, students, nurses and a man weaving cloth,” Bob Leff said.

“That’s cool,” Beverly said.

Fransisca Leff also answered questions.

“These are tribal marks made with a butter knife,” she said, pointing to the scars on her cheeks. “It’s a tribal thing. Every tribe has its own style.”

She said the Fra Fra people are noted in history as great warriors and hunters who never were sold into slavery. Today, people in the tribe, mostly farmers, grow millet, peanuts and corn, Leff said.

Principal Joanne Foland called the show “a living history lesson and great teaching of cultural awareness and sensitivity.”