Gerewol Festival Video

Beauty pageants have been around for centuries but historically it has been the women who apply the makeup and don the pretty dresses. Not so in Niger for the Wodaabees - a nomadic, Islamic tribe - whose men take their match making - and their makeup application and dress selection - very seriously indeed.

Keep a sharp eye out for the following characteristics, a sort of checklist for the perfect Wodaabee male: a slim, well muscled build, a symmetrical face with a thin, long nose, round, white eyes and straight, white teeth. He's got to be a classy dresser with dance moves to match. He must have amazing stamina and be able to decorate himself with more than a dash of style and panache.

Take a look at this fascinating video of the Gerewol Festival courtesy of National Geographic.

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