The Anassara (White) Genie

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

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

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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