On the southern fringes of the Sahel desert of West Africa is one of the most extraordinary tribes on earth. They are despised by many of their neighbors and struggle to exist in such hostile environment; but for the Wadaabe nomads beauty is just as important as survival. The Wodaabe often compare themselves to birds, they move across the land almost as they please. They are beautiful like birds and just like birds of the wilderness, they put on a show to empress the women. Every year they gather from all over the desert to hold a unique beauty contest, where the men are the contestants and the woman choose their lovers from the line up. The Wodaabe has kept their ancient way of life for thousands of years from remote urban forces. They are very ancient African people who may have been
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They live in the Sahel region of West Africa. The Sahel stretches 500 square miles where only of its land and is habitable. There is only one short rainy season and for the rest of the year the Sahel is blazing hot. They are extremely proud of their nomadic way of life and the special bond they have with their cattle. The Wodaabe can be found herding other animals such as sheep, camels and a few horses but over last few decades Severe droughts have dramatically reduced their herds.
Climate change and the spread of agriculture are forcing growing numbers of Wodabbe into towns to look for food and their ancient way of life is under threat. They have been forced to yield increasingly to the currency economy of more settled peoples. Some Wodaabe travel into the town and cities to sell traditional maagani remedies. On occasional visits to local weekly markets often only a spot on the landscape where venders meet they may sell a goat or sheep to purchase such necessities as millet, salt, water skins, sugar, tea, spices, blankets and cloth. But only under the direst of circumstances will they part with one of their
They live in the Sahel region of West Africa. The Sahel stretches 500 square miles where only of its land and is habitable. There is only one short rainy season and for the rest of the year the Sahel is blazing hot. They are extremely proud of their nomadic way of life and the special bond they have with their cattle. The Wodaabe can be found herding other animals such as sheep, camels and a few horses but over last few decades Severe droughts have dramatically reduced their herds.
Climate change and the spread of agriculture are forcing growing numbers of Wodabbe into towns to look for food and their ancient way of life is under threat. They have been forced to yield increasingly to the currency economy of more settled peoples. Some Wodaabe travel into the town and cities to sell traditional maagani remedies. On occasional visits to local weekly markets often only a spot on the landscape where venders meet they may sell a goat or sheep to purchase such necessities as millet, salt, water skins, sugar, tea, spices, blankets and cloth. But only under the direst of circumstances will they part with one of their