Tag: magic

The Anassara (White) Genie

Posted onAuthorAriane Alzhara Kirtley

THE ANASSARA (WHITE) GENIE:  The day I encountered this child, I had spent the day driving through the wild grasslands of the Azawak.  Evening was closing in, and Moustapha, my research assistant, was set on finding a Touareg camp to rest for the night. But before we found one, we spotted a Fulani family that had set up their camp near a ravine.  I told Moustapha that I wanted to camp at this spot, near the family.  I was excited to possibly interview them for my research.  He was skeptical and displeased.  He did not want to camp with these strangers. I insisted. Read more…

Twin Magic

Posted onAuthorAriane Alzhara Kirtley

TWIN MAGIC: Twins in Niger, and among the Touaregs in particular, hold a special status.  Giving birth to twins is considered a great honor. Twins are both feared and venerated, as they are considered to have magical powers.  For instance, if you make a wish, you should think about a twin, because twins have the power to make wishes come true.  If the wish is granted, you must offer a gift to the twin as a token of gratitude, otherwise a bad omen may befall you.  Furthermore, NEVER doing anything bad to a twin, otherwise bad luck will haunt you as long as you have not regained the trust of the twin you have hurt or dishonored. Read more…

Desert Punks

Posted onAuthorAriane Alzhara Kirtley

DESERT PUNKS: Wodaabe women, like the men, venerate beauty.  They have their faces tattooed during childhood, and wear their hair in large intriguing hairstyles: the back is braided, and the front is worn in a large, punk-like doo, covered with barrettes and other adornments. They love colorful garments, have many piercings, and cover themselves in ornate jewelry. Their herbal perfumes often hide the magic of a spell…
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