Wodaabe
Niger 2000…or thereabouts
The “scarf” these young men wear on their head is called a tagelmoust. It is of cotton and at least 13 meters long. The Wodaabe are skillful at wrapping their heads as are the Touareg. A mask can easily be pulled from the folds of the fabric to cover the lower face.
The many meters of fabric provide a sort of air conditioning. After you have dampened it with your sweat, even the slightest breeze will feel cool. The sun in the sahel is murderous and the Wodaabe often wear a huge straw hat over the tagelmoust.