Tuareg Traditions
The Tuareg are a semi-nomadic people who live mostly in the southern Sahara region of Africa. Before the advent of modern transportation, they were the major traders in the trans-Sarahan caravan trade. They now mainly herd or husband animals for a livelihood.
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Veiling
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Adult Tuareg men always cover their faces with a blue veil and are known as the "Blue Men" of the Sahara. Married women cover their hair, but do not wear face veils.
Religion
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Most Tuareg follow a version of Islam, adhering to daily prayers and celebrating festivals; but not enforcing strict interpretations of Muslim law. Because of the rigors of nomadic life, they historically were excused from fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
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Language
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As the language of the Tuareg people is Tamacheq, they are not considered Arabs. Many also speak other African or European languages, especially Hausa and French, and read Arabic, the language of the Koran.
Naming Children
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A week after a child is born, female family elders hold a ceremony to give the child a secret Tamacheq name. The following day, the father gives the child an official, Arabic, name from the Koran and the community holds a lavish celebration.
Rituals
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Tuareg celebrations are characterized by feasting, camel races, music and dancing. Wedding celebrations can last for a week. While funerals are simple and solemn, mourners return to the family home for a memorial feast following burial.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Fotolia.com, courtesy of rachid amrous-spleen
