Wodaabe smile Photo

Photographer’s Note

Bororo (or Wodaabe as they prefer to call themselves) are nomadic herdsman that live between Senegal and Niger (but mostly Niger). They belong to the largest ethnic group of people in West Africa - the Fulani. Another Fulani proud representitive here

The Wodaabe attribute great importance to the cult of beauty (men apparently more so than women!). This is evident in 'gerewol' ceremony where men put lots of make up and extensively decorate their body and hair in order to attract a future wife (women choose men in this tribe :)). During this 'competition' men roll their eyes extensively, make funny and silly faces showing off their eyes and teeth - most important features in masculine beauty. After he's chosen by a female, he is dragged off for a prematrimonial trial :)

This man shares some smiles with me even though he is just in front of me, not some hot Wodaabe chicks :).

--------

jhm, nerve, alimo3 trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

andchew (476) 2005-04-19 11:32

Hi Krzy, Very nice and sharp portrait shot with very good depth of field. Well done, Regards, Andrew

clodreno (0) 2005-04-19 12:13

Krzysztof, this is a nice portrait.. I eally like his smile on hois face..
Such a great face..
really well done.. The note is also very informative..so those people were way ahead thinking about beauty.. it seems that nowadays everybody is like that around the world.

kdien (9259) 2005-04-19 15:41

Wspania³y portret, piêknie pokazany. Masz szczê¶cie do modeli, tak pozuj± jak gdyby to robili przez ca³e ¿ycie. Pozdrawiam

jhm (82949) 2005-04-20 7:39

HI Krzysztof,
I find the cropping very nice, excellent portrait of the nomadic herdsman, lovely colours but also very intersting note.
Thanks for visiting,
John.

nerve (10212) 2005-04-20 10:02

Well, he definitely has a nice teeth!. ;-)
a very nice shot Krzysztof, i love your backgrounds in these shots..and a very documental and informative image from you
as usual..
bw

hajle (1087) 2005-04-20 13:25

bardzo ladny portret, szkoda tylko ze czubek turbanu zostal nieco przyciety; oczy rzadza:>
pozdrawiam
slawek

alimo3 (6826) 2005-04-20 17:33

hello Krzysztof ,
a nice capture for this happy portrait,
this man is beautiful and smile with all is face.
a bit soft but a great moment.

Tom

nygus (8077) 2005-04-28 12:13