The Mask Dancers of the Nayala Province, for example, are a rich part of the culture, incorporating costumes and masks symbolizing indigenous animals. A drummer and several flutists accompany each dancer. A specific rhythm on the drum signals the dancer that it is his turn to dance. The brilliant-colored costumes are created using strands of fiber attached by an intricate weaving to a suit of rope. In Toma, the dancers introduce the traditional wrestling, Coupe du Lutteur, that relies on strength, rather than bulk, to down an opponent.
Spectators perch in trees along the perimeter of the wrestling grounds to view the dramatic show.
Instruments handmade from whatever wood, ropes, gourds, beads, cowry shells and even bottle caps are available produce the beautiful voice of Burkina Faso. Beyond Ouagadougou are the spectacular waterfalls of Banfora, the unique rock sculpture garden of Laongo, the sacred crocodile in Sabou, a goat farm in Loumbila, a Benedictine monastery, the Muslim village of Bani with seven mosques scattered around the hills and the sand dunes of Gorum-Gorum. Good roads link the capital to other key cities in the country as well as to Ghana, Niger, Mali and the Ivory Coast. The well-maintained national system of roads and utilities help ameliorate the difficulties of the extreme heat, shortages of water and occasional electrical outages. The United States maintains an active dialogue with Burkina Faso on a wide variety of issues.