
Burkina Faso Fulani Baptism African Women Children_2010_12343_ireneabdouphotography.com.jpg


In Burkina Faso, West Africa, Muslim families celebrate the birth of a child on the 7th day after birth. Women throughout the city - friends and family - congregate at the mother's house in Ouagadougou on the afternoon of the baptism, bearing gifts of cloth, clothing, soap, and cash. Yet, the majority of these gifts are not destined for the new mother or baby! The sister of the new mother has been set in charge of dividing up the gifts and giving them to both the new mother and to guests.
© 2010 by Irene Abdou