I love the grace of this west African woman as she carries her baby, nonchalantly balancing half a dozen bowls and plates on her head. Yells of nasara (white person) punctuated the colour, activity and music of this vibrant food market in the west African country of Burkina Faso as it became impossible to anonymously and quietly purchase some food and enjoy the market. An aid worker in the area informed me that the term was endearing and respectful, simply a way to attract your attention and not vaguely racially motivated.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Photo of the Week: Balance and Poise (Burkina Faso)
I love the grace of this west African woman as she carries her baby, nonchalantly balancing half a dozen bowls and plates on her head. Yells of nasara (white person) punctuated the colour, activity and music of this vibrant food market in the west African country of Burkina Faso as it became impossible to anonymously and quietly purchase some food and enjoy the market. An aid worker in the area informed me that the term was endearing and respectful, simply a way to attract your attention and not vaguely racially motivated.
That is a quite common sight here in Guatemala: An indigenous woman carrying a kid on her back another one in her arms and sometimes another following her while she balances something in her head… It’s amazing to see how they can handle everything.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful - I love the colors and her ease. Africa was one of the first places on my around the world trip and I hadn't yet discovered my joy of going to local markets then. Now I really want to go back and experience them! I know it can be really hard though when you are a 'spectacle'...reminds me of India a bit.
ReplyDeleteI could not even imagine trying to carry a child AND balance things on my head. It always amazes me how indigenous people work so much harder than we do.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful photo. How does she balance all of that on her head while gracefully holding a baby? Amazing.
ReplyDelete@marina: It still amazes me too.
ReplyDelete@sherry: I got used to the spectacle bit and found that sometimes they'd leave me alone after a while (just wait for a while and they'd get back to their shopping). I always loved the colour and community feel of the African markets.
@shannon: I'm with you.
@donna: It is the grace and ease that impresses me.
It is amazing how that tall stack of pots doesn't come tumbling down
ReplyDelete@heather: Their balance is so striking.
ReplyDeleteI'm convinced women get super powers once they become mothers.
ReplyDelete@anil: I agree. The one photoed certainly is relaxed about it all, yet doing so much.
ReplyDeletebeautiful shot - such colors and depth.
ReplyDelete@jessiev: Thank you - Africa boasts such rich colours and so many of the people wear such brightly coloured clothing.
ReplyDelete