Description

Wodaabe embroidered leather amulet inset with a mirror and adorning triangles.
The Wodaabe wear amulets as protection against illness and misfortunes as well as to bring good fortune.
The inserted mirror protects against the evil eye by deflecting evil forces.
The added ornamentation enhance the beauty of the amulet beauty.
The amulet is complete and with
Collected in Niger.

Total length with amulet: 64 cm
Dimensions of amulet: 8 x 12 cm

About the WODAABE
The Wodaabe are a subgroup of the larger Fula ethnic group (Fulbe, Peul, Fulani).
They are traditionally nomadic pastoralists, herding cattle, goats, sheep, camels and donkeys.
As nomadic pastoralists, the livelihood of the Wodaabe can at times be precarious as droughts are not uncommon.
Wodaabe cultural identity is very important and binds the ethnic group together as their moral code values human qualities and social reserve is perhaps one of the more distinct.
Aside from their personal appearance, the Wodaabe place a high value on modesty, intelligence, patience, endurance and loyalty.
Aside from these basic qualities in the importance placed on aesthetics and appearance.
Lineages, clans and sub-clans define Wodaabe social structure as marriage follows certain rules as does social organization.
The Guérewol festival is a major event during which the Wodaabe gather. Its purpose is for social interaction and exchange and for ceremonial purposes, but more importantly for courtship intentions.
The Guérewol binds the Wodaabe community and is a factor in their strong social unity.
It is an occasion to interact with other clans as well as to preserve traditions.