Portraits of West Africa

In Dakar, Senegal, Fatu, 17, works as a walking vendor, selling tourists money pouches, dolls, and necklaces her grandmother makes.

Timbuktu, Mali

Mopti, Mali

Lome, Togo


Abomey, Benin

"I own Abomey." Mr. La Lutta, written up on page 163 of the Lonely Planet Guide for West Africa, 2002, as he chauffeured me around town on the back of his low-powered motorcycle.

Gustin, 21, pineapple vendor.

Many women, like this one who made me more than one lunch, run food stalls on the street.