This series of pictures shows the construction of a tataram as it is carried out by the sedentary Tuareg. The photos were taken in November / December 2001 in the area of the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers, about 5 km east of Iferouâne - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Women have a special status among the Tuareg. The Targia are very highly respected. They are allowed to choose who and when they marry. The prerequisite is that the chosen one can pay the bride price. Married couples usually live monogamously. The children receive their social status through their mother. While women in Arab Islam still have problems getting divorced today, the Targia can divorce at their own request. In the event of divorce, the children remain with their mother - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The size of the tataram is determined with a circular line. The supporting posts are then dug in at intervals of about one metre. These posts are made from a tree called Apple of Sodom (Calotropis procera), also known as roostertree, a shrub or small tree that grows to a height of 1 to 6 metres. These branches are reinforced and extended with the strong leaf stalk of the palm fronds of the date palm, so that the interior of the new hut is covered - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Whether a tent, hut or house in which the family lives is owned by the woman. Building a house is also part of the Tuareg woman's job. The women have a say and express their opinions: they take an active part in the discussions at the tea ceremonies - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The fan-like leaves of the doum palm are divided into their individual leaves. These parts in turn serve as ‘strings’ with which the posts and leaf stalks of the date palm are tied together - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Tying together the posts and leaf stalks of the date palms - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The basic framework with the main beams for the roof is in place - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Now the beams are connected horizontally with further leaf stalks of the date palm to create a solid framework - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The wheat straw is tied vertically to this scaffolding - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Half of the wall is already covered with wheat straw, carefully tied to the scaffolding with the leaves of the doum palm - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The wall of the hut is completely covered with wheat straw, only the opening for the door remains free - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The wall of the hut has been fixed all round with wheat straw, only the opening for the door remains free - Aïr - Niger - 2001

At head height, a first ring of branches of the tree called Apple of Sodom (Calotropis procera), also known as roostertree, is now fixed for stabilisation - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The Targias have brought their mortars from aborak wood, which makes it easier for them to lash the stabilising ring - Aïr - Niger - 2001

A large amount of wheat straw is still needed before the roof is finished - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Layer after layer of wheat straw is now fixed in place like tiles and lashed down with a tyre made of the same material - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Layer after layer of wheat straw is now being laid down like bricks and lashed down with a tyre of the same material - Aïr - Niger - 2001

A ring is made to secure the wheat straw - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Layer after layer of wheat straw is now fixed all round like bricks and secured with a ring of the same material - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The skeleton is clearly visible inside the hut. Above it, the layers of wheat straw are tightly bound and form a dome - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The roof construction is nearing completion. The wheat straw is tied down layer by layer. This prevents rainwater from entering the hut - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The roof will soon be finished. The only thing missing is the finish - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Finally, a rain-repellent mat woven from palm leaves is tied around the smoke opening - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The hut is finished. The door is also fixed. The family can move into their new home - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Photo Gallery