The Mark of Beauty

Earlier this year, I decided that I wanted to feel like 'me' again . . . and returned to highlighting my hair. I have never been sure if this would be seen as the locals as extravagent. But, this year, I justified that whenever I am at my friend's homes, my hair is wrapped up in a head wrap (mosoro) . . .

. . . and thus, no one would ever see the change!!

I learned this week, that at least at my friend Aissa's house, this hair colouring exercise would be perfectly understood! For when I arrived at her house, Aissa was dying her hair: from black to blacker!

For a few hundred francs, she can buy a hair dye kit in a box! (A very tiny box.) First, she dumped white powder onto a tin plate. Then, she added a bit of water and stirred it with her finger to get rid of the clumps. Finally, she poured in a small capsule of acid. This she stirred with a shoe polish brush and then proceeded to 'shoe polish' her hair . . . brushing in the hair dye with said brush.

Quite honestly, I could not see the difference from start to finish . . . but black is one of the essential elements in Fulani beauty.

Aissa asked if I wanted to dye my hair as well. I thus explained that I had already dyed my hair this year, but that I 'reduced' my colour to white (blond). Ah yes, she exclaimed: The Fulani like black hair and black lips, but the white people like whiter hair and red lips!

It was interesting to hear her perception of my culture and how we define beauty. However, upon reflection - and thinking of our magazines and tv shows - I'd say that she has a rather accurate perception of how 'white people' define beauty! Especially the 'red lips' bit.

I then remembered my Fulani language tutor explaining to me the 'marks of beauty' in a Fulani women - it is actually quite the extensive list:

3 things White:

1. white eyes (not bloodshot)

2. white teeth

3. white (er) skin tone (basically, lighter skin than the man)

3 things Black:

1. black hair

2. black lips

(They will dye their lips black - poking it 30-50 times with a needle and then pouring in black powder from a tree.)

3. black feet

(done with henna - as mentioned in a previous - Spa Day - post)

3 things Big:

1. big eyes

2. big chest

3. big behind

3 things Thin:

1. thin neck

2. thin arms

3. thin ankle

My language tutor then informed me that men will rate the women and perhaps I might hear them refer to a woman as a '9' or '10', and thus forth. He also explained that they realize as well that they will never find a '12', but each man needs to decide for himself which of the '12' marks of beauty he is willing to compromise on, in his choosing of a wife.

Not in the list though, are the intricate tattoo or scarring patterns on the women, and sometimes men, in Niger. The often indicates ethnicity. Though not everyone does the scarring, the Fulani women will often have a gecko shaped scarring on their forehead. There are however other pattenrs - often geometric shapes or just a few lines as well.

Though I would never do this myself, and I shudder to think of the pain involved in the process, I find the intricacy of the different patterns striking and beautiful!!