“THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD” The Wodaabe (Fula or Bororo) are a small subgroup of the Fulani ethnic group. They are traditionally nomadic cattle-herders and traders in the Sahel, with migrations stretching from southern Niger, through northern Nigeria, northeastern Cameroon, southwestern Chad, and the western region of the Central African Republic. The number of Wodaabe was estimated in 2001 to be 100,000. They are known for their beauty (both men and women), elaborate attire and rich cultural ceremonies. At the end of the rainy season in September, Wodaabe clans gather before the beginning of their dry season migration. Here, young Wodaabe men, with elaborate make-up, feathers and other adornments, perform the Yaake dances and songs to impress marriageable women in the Gerewol festival. The women stress tallness, white eyes and teeth as characteristics they will select husbands on. The festival goes on for one week with barters over marriage and other contests where the young mens beauty and skills are judged by women. Then the husbands are selected. After marriage, the bride stays with her husband until she becomes pregnant. Then she returns to her mothers home. The baby is delivered and then the wife becomes aboofeydo, which literally means someone who has committed an error. While she is boofeydo, she is not allowed to have any contact with her husband, and he is not allowed to express any interest in either her or the child. She remains at her mother’s house for the next four years and is allowed to visit her husband from time to time. It is still taboo for her to live with him or bring the child with her. When her mother is able to purchase all the items that she needs for her home, she is allowed to live with her husband.
Posted on: Sat, 17 Jan 2015 11:46:58 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015