The many countries that constitute African culture have their own traditions, each as unique and colourful as another.

But one that has survived time and space and generations is headwear - it symbolises strength and pride like few other pieces of clothing, and acts as a marker of the culture you belong to.

Of all of the different cultures and subcultures, that of the women in Gao, in Mali, is particularly interesting.

Reuters reports that the radical Islamist group Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) have condemned traditional headdresses as being anti-Islamic. MUJAO's nine-month rule of this country ended with the arrival of French and Malian troops, which is good news.

But the fact something as innocuous and colourful as a headdress should attract the wrath of religious and military groups is a point not, perhaps, to be dismissed lightly, particularly on the occasion of International Women's Day (which fell on 8 March).

These headdresses, traditionally worn by members of the upper class on special occasions, are made of beads, gemstones, fabric and even fake hair and are worn by women from the Songhai and Tuareg communities.

Check out stunning photographs of colourful and exotic African headdress

READ: International Women's Day Celebrated with Pledge to End Violence against Women [PHOTOS]

Artisan Hally Bara in Front of Traditional Tuareg and Songhai Headdress Source - ReutersJoe Penney
Hally Bara, an artisan, poses for a picture in front of traditional Songhai and Tuareg headdresses and jewelry she made at the store in her house in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013. Reuters/Joe Penney
Balkissa Maiga in Traditional Songhai Headdress Source - ReutersJoe Penney
Balkissa Maiga, 17, wears a traditional Songhai headdress made by artisan Hally Bara in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013. Reuters/Joe Penney
Hally Bara in Traditional Songhai Headdress Source - ReutersJoe Penney
Hally Bara, an artisan, attaches a traditional Songhai headdress on Bijou Maiga at Bara's residence in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013. Reuters/Joe Penney
Madinatou Soumailou Toure in Traditional Songhai Headdress Source - ReutersJoe Penney
Madinatou Soumailou Toure, 15, wears a traditional Songhai headdress made by artisan Hally Bara in Gao, Mali, March 6 2013. Reuters/Joe Penney
Fatoumata Toure in Traditional Songhai Headdress Source - ReutersJoe Penney
Fatoumata Toure, 15, wears a traditional Songhai headdress made by artisan Hally Bara in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013. Reuters/Joe Penney
Aminata Toure in Traditional Songhai Headdress Source - ReutersJoe Penney
Aminata Toure, 10, wears a traditional Songhai headdress made by artisan Hally Bara in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013. Reuters/Joe Penney
Fatoumata Toure in Traditional Songhai Headdress Source - ReutersJoe Penney
Fatoumata Toure, 15, wears a traditional Songhai headdress made by artisan Hally Bara in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013 Reuters/Joe Penney
Fady DIcko in Traditional Tuareg Headdress Source - ReutersJoe Penney
Fady DIcko, 14, wears a traditional Tuareg headdress made by artisan Hally Bara in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013. Reuters/Joe Penney
Safiatou Maiga in Traditional Songhai Headdress Source - ReutersJoe Penney
Safiatou Maiga, 8, wears a traditional Songhai headdress made by artisan Hally Bara in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013. Reuters/Joe Penney
Fady Diarra in Traditional Songhai Beaded Head Wrap Source - ReutersJoe Penney
Fady Diarra, 25, wears a traditional Songhai beaded head wrap in Gao, Mali, March 6, 2013. Reuters/Joe Penney
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