It is difficult to find a people with more sense of pomp and adornment than the Peul. At festivals, one can witness true competitions for male beauty. The Peul are extremely ostentatious - as far as poverty does not set natural limits to this. But it is most interesting to note that these men, whose effeminate demeanour conceals a legendary courage, like their neighbours, the Tuareg, know the ancient custom of the courtyard of love. At festivals, the participants never refrain from carrying this long sword, so similar to the takuba from the Hoggarm massif. They make up their faces with vivid colours, saffron yellow, red and white predominating, and one would come to no end to make an inventory of the jewels and amulets they are wont to spread out on these occasions. To win the approval of the lady of one's choice, one must know how to show oneself off, and looks, grimaces and contortions count.... This is what the beautiful spectacle observed at the fountain of Ekisman is all about. - Niger - 1970
