WODAABE BRAIDS: An aunt is redoing her nieces braids as the young lady, Yobande, prepares to join her husband at a Gerewol festival. She may decide once at the festival, a traditional meeting spot for lovers, to steal away with another man, thereby committing “teegal”. The Wodaabe are very proud of their elaborately woven and decorated braids. This young woman knows she is beautiful, and will not hesitate to show them off at the festival. Braiding, which takes a little time, is often a restful moment for women, away from more burdensome household chores. They socialize and sip tea as they beautify themselves.
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