Photos: International Women’s Day 2013: Stunning Pictures of Colourful Songhai and Tuareg Headdress from West Africa
By Simi John | Mar 10, 2013 12:55 AM EDT
The many countries that constitute African culture have their own traditions, each as unique and colourful as another.
But one that has survived time and space and generations is headwear - it symbolises strength and pride like few other pieces of clothing, and acts as a marker of the culture you belong to.
Of all of the different cultures and subcultures, that of the women in Gao, in Mali, is particularly interesting.
Reuters reports that the radical Islamist group Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) have condemned traditional headdresses as being anti-Islamic. MUJAO's nine-month rule of this country ended with the arrival of French and Malian troops, which is good news.
But the fact something as innocuous and colourful as a headdress should attract the wrath of religious and military groups is a point not, perhaps, to be dismissed lightly, particularly on the occasion of International Women's Day (which fell on 8 March).
These headdresses, traditionally worn by members of the upper class on special occasions, are made of beads, gemstones, fabric and even fake hair and are worn by women from the Songhai and Tuareg communities.
Check out stunning photographs of colourful and exotic African headdress
READ: International Women's Day Celebrated with Pledge to End Violence against Women [PHOTOS]
Hally Bara, an artisan, poses for a picture in front of traditional Songhai and Tuareg headdresses and jewelry she made at the store in her house in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013.
Source: Reuters/Joe Penney Date:03/10/2013
Balkissa Maiga, 17, wears a traditional Songhai headdress made by artisan Hally Bara in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013.
Source: Reuters/Joe Penney Date:03/10/2013
Hally Bara, an artisan, attaches a traditional Songhai headdress on Bijou Maiga at Bara's residence in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013.
Source: Reuters/Joe Penney Date:03/10/2013
Madinatou Soumailou Toure, 15, wears a traditional Songhai headdress made by artisan Hally Bara in Gao, Mali, March 6 2013.
Source: Reuters/Joe Penney Date:03/10/2013
Fatoumata Toure, 15, wears a traditional Songhai headdress made by artisan Hally Bara in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013.
Source: Reuters/Joe Penney Date:03/10/2013
Aminata Toure, 10, wears a traditional Songhai headdress made by artisan Hally Bara in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013.
Source: Reuters/Joe Penney Date:03/10/2013
Fatoumata Toure, 15, wears a traditional Songhai headdress made by artisan Hally Bara in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013
Source: Reuters/Joe Penney Date:03/10/2013
Fady DIcko, 14, wears a traditional Tuareg headdress made by artisan Hally Bara in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013.
Source: Reuters/Joe Penney Date:03/10/2013
Safiatou Maiga, 8, wears a traditional Songhai headdress made by artisan Hally Bara in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013.
Source: Reuters/Joe Penney Date:03/10/2013
Fady Diarra, 25, wears a traditional Songhai beaded head wrap in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013.
Source: Reuters/Joe Penney Date:03/10/2013
