The beggar is a gentleman – Mallam Idris on his begging round. Mallam Garudi Idris has made begging a gentlemanly vocation. For over 50 years he has contradicted the popular belief that beggars can't be choosers. For Mallam Idris has chosen well: at one time 10 wives, all of whom he kept in comfort. Since he was two years old, Mallam now 55, has been a beggar – a gentleman beggar. He does not beg because he is blind or because he has been afflicted with any crippling disease. Mallam Idris begs for alms because his father was before him was a beggar and because he believes that he was born a beggar. Mallam is employed by the Federal Government as a messenger in one of the Ministries.
Image Number: APN759600

APN759600

Title: Drum Magazine social history photographs, Ghana edition 466 Description: The beggar is a gentleman – Mallam Idris on his begging round. Mallam Garudi Idris has made begging a gentlemanly vocation. For over 50 years he has contradicted the popular belief that beggars can't be choosers. For Mallam Idris has chosen well: at one time 10 wives, all of whom he kept in comfort. Since he was two years old, Mallam now 55, has been a beggar – a gentleman beggar. He does not beg because he is blind or because he has been afflicted with any crippling disease. Mallam Idris begs for alms because his father was before him was a beggar and because he believes that he was born a beggar. Mallam is employed by the Federal Government as a messenger in one of the Ministries. Country: Ghana Date Created: 03-1966 Creator: Drum Social Histories Credit Notice: Drum Magazine photographer / Drum Social Histories / Bailey's African History Archive / african.pictures Keywords: