Final answer:
The Wodaabe people are historically related to the Fulani ethnic group and are known for their distinctive cultural practices including the geerewol and yaake dances, which have garnered international attention through documentaries and concerns about cultural commodification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Wodaabe people, showcased in Werner Herzog's documentary Woodaabe: Herdsmen of the Sun, are historically related to the Fulani people, a large ethnic group spread over several West African countries. The Wodaabe are part of the larger Fulani cultural and linguistic group, and they maintain a nomadic pastoral lifestyle. They are well-known for their colorful ceremonies, such as the geerewol and yaake dances, where young men compete in elaborate dress, costume, and face paint to be chosen by young women judges. This aspect of their culture has attracted significant global attention with over 17 documentary films made about them.
Their cultural practices, including the distinctive dances, are seen as forms of heritage. There are concerns among anthropologists about the commodification of such cultures and the potential exploitation of these groups for the entertainment of Western audiences. The Wodaabe's embrace of tourism as a form of income raises complex questions on cultural preservation and the impacts of globalization.