Tuareg tent pole, 'Igem'

The Tuareg are nomadic Berbers who inhabit the Sahara and Sahel. Dromedaries are part of their culture and it’s because of these amazing animals that they manage to travel long distances through the desert.

The mother’s tent is the heart of the family. It is made of a traditional wooden structure, old pieces of clothing, linen and goat skin mats which are sown together. The tent is anchored into the sand with tent pickets. Each picket has its own unique design and function.

‘Ehel’ pickets are placed inside the tent to hold the wall mats, ‘eseber’ in place. These mats are placed around the bed to create a form of privacy.

In addition, forked supports ‘tigettewin' are used to hang clothes and leather bags on or as an extra support for a separate bar which carries a camel saddle.

The entrance to the tent is carried by a pair of pickets, ‘Igem’ that match together.

"A unique story in your home."