Tuareg

The Blue Men of the Desert

a legendary culture

The Tuareg are the legendary herders and caravaners of the Sahara.
They have an ancient written language, Tifinagh (or Tamasheq), and their music, dance and culture have been the subject of fascinated study and speculation by generations of explorers, archaeologists and scholars. Tifinagh is thought to have derived from the ancient Berber script. The word Tifinagh means 'the Phoenician letters," or possibly comes from the Greek word for writing tablet, pínaks. It is not taught in schools, but is still used occasionally by the Tuareg for private notes, love letters and in decoration.

"Men and women towards each other are for the eyes and the heart, and not only for the bed."

Tuareg people have a long tradition of music and poetry. Many of the songs sing the praises of women. A matrilineal society, the Tuareg trace their families through women. For example, men hold political power, but when a chief dies, the title goes to his sister’s son. In each family, it is the wife who owns the portable family home. She has her own herd of goats, sheep and camels – affording her financial independence should her husband leave her through death or divorce. A group of Tuareg women once said to Bess Palmisciano, RAIN founder: “We’re worried about you. You have no home, no herd of animals. If you get some goats, we’ll watch them for you while you’re away.” At left, a Tuareg women on her way to her wedding.

"Salt doesn't say it's salty."

The camel is the primary mode of transportation for Tuareg men, and is a badge of joy and pride. Each year, Tuareg men engage in camel races at the annual Cure Salee (Salt Cure) festival in Ingall. Women prefer donkeys for their transport, and children also use donkeys to fetch water. Men are the sole creators of the famous Tuareg jewelry, while women work in straw and leather. Tuareg men cover their heads and mouths, to protect from dust and wind as well as observing respect for the power of the spoken word. Modesty in speech, manner and dress is expressed in both genders; however, women are not excpected to veil themselves as the men.

"trust in Allah, but tether your camel."

The Tuareg are primarily of the Muslim faith, but a very unique brand, weaved into the fabric of their ancient culture. The Tuareg Cross is the famous emblem of the Tuareg - in 21 different designs, each representing a specific clan. The cross design is said to represent the Four Corners of the Earth - a metaphysical and spiritual compass for a people who are always on the move. At left: the Cross of Agadez.

"Houses are the graves of the living."

These legendary desert nomads live in the most severe of environments, yet their love of the desert and the freedom they find there is core to their identity. Many are finding it a challenge to adjust to a more sedentary lifestyle as they lose pastureland to farming and herds to increasing drought. Often, men must live in "exod," migrating to difficult lives on the outskirts of cities such as Agadez and Niamey.