Standards of Male Beauty among the Wodaabe

I've blogged in the past about "Gerewol"-- a male beauty pageant among the Wodaabe tribe in the Sahara --but just came across a fascinating analysis of the significance of each beauty ritual.

 

1.

 

"1.   Tall and athletic: Ostrich plumes and pompoms emphasise height
2.   Narrow face: Decorated with red ochre
3.   Wide eyes: Black eyeliner made from charred egret bones
4.   Facial symmetry: Enhanced with black, yellow and white patterns
5.   Aquiline nose: White clay arrow stripe to look more streamlined
6.   Long braids and cowrie shells: Symbolise fertility and wealth
7.   White and regular teeth: Bared and emphasised with black lipstick
8.   Good dancer: Beaded necklaces and bodices jangle against chest in time to the beat

The colours used are symbolic too, says Mette Bovin, a Danish anthropologist who has worked with the Wodaabe since the 1970s."

via www.bbc.co.uk