Okene, Nigeria

A Fula woman strolls through the market in Okene. The Fulani are traditionally a nomadic people, herding goats and sheep across a large territory in West Africa. Women have facial tattoos. The tribes are said to become sedentary in recent years. September 1989. Une femme peul se promène dans le marché d’Okene. Les Peuls sont traditionnellement un peuple…

Lomé, Togo

In the big market in Lomé, some Togolese somen sell traditional fabrics, particularly the Dutch « wax » that is much sought after in Western Africa. They are called the « nanas Benz » as most of them have become wealthy and own a big Mercedes car. The golden years are now behind them as the economic crisis and…

Ganvie, Benin

Ganvie is a lake village in Benin, lying in Lake Nokoue, near Cotonou. Also known as the « Venice of Africa », it is probably the largest lake village of the continent. At the time I took this picture, the 30,000 inhabitants were mostly making a living of fishing. Tourism is now said to be booming. March…

La Digue, Seychelles

The Anse Source d’Argent beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (the third « Emmanuelle » movie was partly shot there). A young local fisherman has just caught a small shark and is proud to pose with it. December 1993. L’Anse Source d’Argent est une des plus belles plages du monde (le troisième…