In previous posts my photographs showed how the Wodaabe nomads of
Niger’s Sahel prepare for, and perform in, the Yakey dance, which doubles as a
male beauty contest among the members of a clan. Again, in this new image, an
important part of the game is the display of white teeth and eyes.
The Yakey was only a way to warm up for a much more important and
challenging festival. This one, the Gerewol, now pits clan against clan. And
pity the less attractive or less spirited dancers for the mockery they will
endure, including the threat to get saddled up like donkeys,
The elders, women and men, spare none of the dancers. And as they spur
them into a more energetic act you can imagine their words, which are
universal. “Come on, girls. What have our grandsons come to? What a generation of weaklings!
The old men selected a few of the prettiest girls to judge the dancers. Unlike
the granddaddies, they watch the young dancers respectfully. When asked for
their choices at the end, they will each rise and walk towards a dancer while
pointing at him.
The onlookers.
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