"In central Niger, between the great Sahara Desert and the Grasslands, lies an immense steppe in which the Wodaabe, commonly called Bororo, are virtually the only Fulbe group that has preserved the ancient nomadic tradition." [Beckwith/Van Offelen, 1983: Nomads of Niger, Harry N. Abrams Inc.]. "The Woodabe 'wuro' is both the family and the house or physical site, and it has invisible boundaries, but also one visible 'wall', the 'rear' side of the wuro. This 'wall' is a windbreak of low bushes or branches built in a halfmoon shape. It is only the 'wall' that gives a little privacy and protection. The woman and young children always live in this protected halfmoon. (In western and central Niger Woodabe use tents or huts nowadays)." [Bovin M., 2001: Nomads Who Cultivate Beauty. Nordiska afrikainstitutet]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from March 17, 1970 to July 17, 1970.
Local Numbers:
EENG-IV-4, 6.
General:
Title source: Index card based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
Typed index card reads, "U 1 Brr. Bororo. Niger, Zinder-Tanout, Abouza. Camp at sunset. 6/1970. EE. neg.no. IV-4, 6." The card was written in 1977-79 by Archives staff using source provided by photographer.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.