I lived with two Muslim families in Africa: a Fulani family in Cameroon and a Fang family in Gabon. It was interesting seeing the difference in the two families even though they were both Muslim. My Cameroonian host-father's affluence was measured by the number of children and number of cattle he owned. My Gabonese host-father's, on the other hand, was measured by the fancy SUV and cars driven and the success of his company. Both were really good men and did provide for their numerous children. Both did the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that all able-bodied Muslims are supposed to do. This painting is a dedication to my Hajji host-dads. "The pilgrim", 9"x12" watercolor on hot pressed paper.
