Faces of Africa

These are some of the indigenous tribes of Africa.





Surma woman, Ethiopai

Wodaabe Charm Dancer, Niger

A male charm dancer applies face makeup to attract the females who will judge his performance
Wodaabe Man, Niger

Masai Warrior, Kenya
A warrior wears an impressive headdress made from ostrich feathers. Throughout the 19th century, Masai warriors wore headdresses just like this one to strike fear in the hearts of their enemies.
Pokot girl, Kenya
Surma Fighter, Ethiopia
A fierce Surma stick fighter, paints his face with white chalk to intimidate his enemies

Dinka herder, Sudan
Dinka Man, Sudan

A Dinka elder's pallid body, caked in ash, and his great height earned him the name 'ghostly giant' from early explorers into Sudan. Wise in the ways of cattle husbandry, he is one of the oldest herders in the cattle camp and is consulted on important issues of survival during the long dry season.
Fulani woman, Mali
Hausa dancer, Nigeria

Adioukrou Queen Mother, Ivory Coast

An Adioukrou queen mother is bedecked in gold jewelry
Afar Bride, Djibouti
Afar Woman, Ethiopia

Facial scarification serves both as a means of establishing tribal identity and a way to enhance physical beauty. The curved pattern of cow horns on the forehead of this serene woman indicates that she is from a cattle-herding family and comes from a gentle and more fertile part of Afar country than the harsh Danakil Depression.
Bodi Woman, Ethiopia
The weathered face of a Bodi woman reflects hardships endured and years survived in southwest Ethiopia.