Photo Gallery

In the gilded sands of the evening, the inhabitants of Djanet dance. It is the festival of Shebiba, so called because it takes place in the first month of the year, which is called "Shebiba" in Tamashek, the Tuareg language. The two main characters of the festival, dressed in rich robes, twirl the takuba, the sword of the noble Tuareg. The women beat the obsessive rhythm tirelessly with their drum, the Ganga. - Algeria - 1966

One of the main characters of the Shebiba-festival. The jewellery he wears on his headgear is made of silver and comes from the village blacksmith. - Djanet - Algeria - 1966

The Takuba, the sword of the noble. As former warriors, the Tuareg are often homesick for their past. In their secret thoughts, they revive the memory of the former rezzous, raids against the caravans that brought slaves and gold up from the south. - Algeria - 1966

Two Tuareg mime a fight with the takuba, the sword of the noble. As former warriors, the Tuareg are often homesick for their past. In their secret thoughts they revive the memory of the former rezzous, raids against the caravans that brought slaves and gold up from the south. - Algeria - 1962

Silver and leather working is an important craft. The sword scabbard of a takouba is made here. - Kabara - Mali - 1969

The blacksmith, the malem, is the master of fire. He makes the silver jewellery, the weapons, the camel harnesses. Here the malem pulls a takuba out of the scabbard. The blacksmiths form a caste of their own. They are despised and at the same time feared by sedentary and nomadic people. –Kabara – Mali – 1969

Built in 1581, the Sankóre Mosque in Timbuktu has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. It is a courtyard mosque. This lies as an inner courtyard in the centre of the complex. The minaret is located on the south side. Clay, which was specifically shaped, served as the building material. - Timbuktu - Mali - 1969

Peul Bororo men on the way to the well of Eskiman - Niger - 1970

A flute player replaces the orchestra and supports the chorus of dancers with his instrument. The beat is given to him by clapping hands. The women, prize of this peaceful competition, show a very seductive demeanour ... - Fountain of Eskiman - Niger - 1970

A Targi with his takuba, the sword of the nobleman. As former warriors, the Tuareg are often homesick for their past. In their secret thoughts, they revive the memory of the former rezzous, raids against the caravans that brought slaves and gold up from the south. - Guelta Baloumat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

A Targi with his takuba, the sword of the nobles. As former warriors, the Tuareg are often homesick for their past. In their secret thoughts, they revive the memory of the former rezzous, raids against the caravans that brought slaves and gold up from the south. - Guelta Baloumat - Aïr - Niger - 2002