Boubon

Boubon sits on the left bank of the Niger River northwest of Niamey, between the river and the low rocky slopes of the Nigerien plateau. The intermittent Guendiora stream reaches the village from the east through a sandy bed. Across the water lie the villages of Béri, Dambou Béri, Sarando Béné and Sarando Ganda. This setting of riverbank, dry channel and broken plateau gives the large village several distinct environments.

Pottery anchors much of daily life and exchange. Women work in individual households rather than in one central workshop, and finished vessels join cattle, meat, fruit, vegetables, clothing and household goods at the large Wednesday market. The market also reflects the meeting of farmers, herders and river communities in the Songhai country.