Another gente.

Crystal and Herma had the priveledge to go to another gente or baby baptism.  The baby is traditinally one week old.  Mostly women attend these celebrations.  Everyone brings gifts, like a baby shower and the recipient takes careful record of who gave what because it is expected that when the giver of the gift has their own gente they are supposed to give a more expensive gift than they received.

Nia (in red) and Sedu (in gold) both work for Herma.  Sedu is the one that just had the baby and is the person of honor.  They think lighter skin is beautiful, so for special occasions they will lighten their skin with chemicals and/or make up.
Herma with one of the ladies.  They LOVE having their picture taken.
Some of the ladies.  I love all the colors and the outfits, they are so eleborate.  This is also a time when the ladies put on their finest makeup and jewelry.  Appearance is VERY important to the Senegalese.
Crys and Djibi after the gente.  Djibi is wearing a traditional outfit also.  He is very proud of it and it looks good on him too.