Voluptuous, zaftig, full-figured, zoomba, big, even ‘fat’ women are greatly appreciated in Nigeria. I love watching the images projected by Nigerian media, from news anchors to lead actors in Nollywood novellas to commercials, of women who aren’t skinny. You know the type—the ones who look as if their arm would come out of the socket if it were pulled too hard! They are full-figured, healthy and confident! Not all of the images are like this, much of the programming for younger generations and many of the music videos appear to mimic western music industry stylings-complete with skinny dancers.
Though standards of beauty differ from tribe to tribe, the appreciation of a well rounded female body seems to be a common thread. Of course, there are women who seek more ‘Madison Avenue/western” type beauty-based on the idea that one can never be too thin. And, I won’t get into the issue of hair here (wigs, synthetic hair and hair pieces are the norm), or the plethora of “skin whitening’ products in the marketplace, but in my opinion, subliminally the images of success are tied to those manufactured in the West.
A couple of guys I work with were discussing ‘desirable’ traits of women for marriage. (I don’t know how they got on this topic) This is where I learned more about the “fattening rooms” that exist among the Efik in Calabar. Young women, in preparation for marriage are secluded a special location where they are taught the art of being a good wife. They are well fed and physical activity is minimized so weight can be added to their frame. Other cultures around the world have similar processes. As long as they are healthy, women should feel confident about being the size they are naturally, not struggling to meet unrealistic images.
A young Nigeria women posted an article entitled Skinny vs. Fat on her blog. It’s an interesting perspective on the topic. Check it out...... Skinny vs. Fat : An African Woman on the Politics of Feminine Beauty
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