Wodaabe dancing in the night, Gerewol, Cure Salee 2014, In-Gall, Niger
The end of the rainy season is an especially important event in the lives of Saharan pastoralists. Tuareg clans gather at the salt flats and pools near Ingall to refresh their cattle and goat herds, and to prepare for the trip further south so they can survive the dry season. The Salt Cure is also believed to benefit the local people, and medicinal cures are a major part of the festival.
But the Cure Salée is as just as important as a social gathering. After a season in dispersed clan groups, there's the chance to share news, trade, and renew friendships both within and across ethnic lines.
For Tuareg and Wodaabe peoples, Salée Cure marks the time of traditional courtship and marriage. The most famous images of the Cure Salee are Wodaabe tradition of Gerewol, in which young men vie for the attention of women seeking husbands. Organized dances and tests of skill culminate in men donning traditional costume, headdress, and elaborate makeup.
Amongst the Tuareg peoples, women seek for the attention of marriageable men, while men of all ages show off their skills as riders, artists, dancers, musicians and craftsmen. A great parade of Tuareg camel riders opens the festival, which continues with races, songs, dances, and storytelling. While the official festival is limited to three days, the festivities can last for weeks while nomadic groups remain in the area.
Camera: Leica M Monochrom
Lens: Summilux 21mm
ISO 5.000
Wodaabe dancing in the night, Gerewol, Cure Salee 2014, In-Gall, Niger
The end of the rainy season is an especially important event in the lives of Saharan pastoralists. Tuareg clans gather at the salt flats and pools near Ingall to refresh their cattle and goat herds, and to prepare for the trip further south so they can survive the dry season. The Salt Cure is also believed to benefit the local people, and medicinal cures are a major part of the festival.
But the Cure Salée is as just as important as a social gathering. After a season in dispersed clan groups, there's the chance to share news, trade, and renew friendships both within and across ethnic lines.
For Tuareg and Wodaabe peoples, Salée Cure marks the time of traditional courtship and marriage. The most famous images of the Cure Salee are Wodaabe tradition of Gerewol, in which young men vie for the attention of women seeking husbands. Organized dances and tests of skill culminate in men donning traditional costume, headdress, and elaborate makeup.
Amongst the Tuareg peoples, women seek for the attention of marriageable men, while men of all ages show off their skills as riders, artists, dancers, musicians and craftsmen. A great parade of Tuareg camel riders opens the festival, which continues with races, songs, dances, and storytelling. While the official festival is limited to three days, the festivities can last for weeks while nomadic groups remain in the area.
Camera: Leica M Monochrom
Lens: Summilux 21mm
ISO 5.000