Niger - salt caravan (Azelaï) between Bilma and Agadez

Niger - Meet a camión from Bilma in the Ténéré Desert

In the camp at Oued Agamgam - Aïr - Niger

Decorated hands of a Targuia in the camp at Oued Timia - Niger

Nomad children in front of their tent in the camp near El Meki near Timia - Niger

Tuareg women take care of their goats in the camp near Oued Timia - Niger

Waterhole of Eres near Temet, Niger - Canisters are filled with the precious water by the Tuaregs and then transported by camels.

Tuareg girl in the camp of Mechovi - Aïr - Niger.

Exploring - Like a Scout leader, Abakaoua explores the narrow passage that leads to the top of the dunes of Ifiniyane.

Light caravan - For one-day trips, the camel drivers leave behind bags, riding saddles, food and feed supplies at the camp. They will only ride the camels when the heat makes walking unbearable. - Niger / between Aïr and Ténéré / 1999

Caravan leaving for Gouloukou - Gouloukou is marked on the map! The sound of the name is reminiscent of gurgling water. This is not surprising: Gouloukou is a fountain where tadpoles like to have fun. - Niger / between Aïr and Ténéré / 1999

The great outdoors… - The caravan moves southeast, towards the endless Ténéré. - Niger / Ténéré / 2000

Guelta of Enghar - Probably the coldest water in the Aïr! The sun never shines into the depths of this rock cleft on the trail to Toufouchi. - Niger / Aïr / 2001

Guelta of Agamgam - Among volcanic walls, clan chief Abakaoua leads his camels to a drinking hole and its amazingly fresh, cool water.

The only possible way - In a narrow canyon, the caravan of camels examine the only passable route through the rocky chaos. - Abri Ilem / Niger / Aïr

A bit of family history - Abdelkrim ag Ahrmed, son of Ahrmed ag Chaoua, is the grand-son of Chaoua and comes from a dynasty of caravan leaders. In the language of the Tuareg, Tamacheq, “ag” means “son of”. - Niger / Aïr / 2003

Tuareg child - Framed by a tuft of hair dedicated to Allah and amulets bearing verses from the Koran, the look of this boy scans his whole future dedicated to faith. - Tezirzek / Aïr / Niger

The two sisters of Toufouchi - Their features are clean; their look, determined. And a firm will is needed to survive in these inhospitable latitudes. The two sisters of Toufouchi look after the goats, cook, fetch water and find enough time in between for jokes and laughter.

Kids games - When his feet touch the ground, it will be time for the older child to become a man. Then the carefree days of childhood and adolescence will come to an end. - Niger / fountain of Tezirzek / 1992

Selima and son - Called «cul-nu» by the photographer, the son of Selima hides his tiny garment under the wide skirt of his mother. - Niger / Aïr / Zakkat / 2001

Tuareg warrior - With a single blow of his Takuba, Boubakar ag Mohamed has beheaded a jackal... what a feat! As the leader of a clan of ten families from the Kel Takriza tribe, formerly feared in the Sahel because of their raids against black farmers, today he is the most peaceful of Tuareg dignitaries – and the one wearing the most makeup! - Niger / Western Aïr

Abakaoua, a Targi of the Kel Tédélé tribe - Symbol of the stubborn resistance of his people, chief Abakaoua ag Kanom is proud of his 72 years of age and wears an indigo cloth covering his head and shoulders, as well as khol makeup.

Niger - caravan in the evening light - Erg Izane

Every year, regular visitors meet at the Chouffane, a camel riding festival linked to an annual market that takes place at the Tarat oasis on the Lebanese border (Tassili n'Ajjer, Algeria). On this occasion, the Tuareg tribe leaders, who otherwise rarely meet, gather together in one of the tents.

At the Djanet oasis in the Tassili n'Ajjer (Algeria): Fadi is playing the imzad. This single-stringed bowed instrument is made out of a calabash and horse hair, accompanied by the singing of men, who tell of war, love and nomadic life without end...

Tea time in the small village of I-n-Jitane (Niger, Erazer valley), in the middle of the Sahelian region.

Niger - The Tuareg chief Abakaoua from the Aïr region

Touareg caravan - On their way to a distant water source, the caravan stop before nightfall, and then the camels are fed with the hay they carry on their packs. - Niger / Ténéré / Erg Izane / 2000

Crossing the Tagardet pass in the Aïr mountains.

Near the waterhole of Baloumat, a great boulder offers shelter.

Taguella is bread made of wheat and baked in the sand.

At the edge of the Ténéré, Chef Abakaoua leads the way.

Arrival at the Kel Tédélé camp site.

Sheltered by trees at the Kel Tédélé camp site.

The pantry – or the best way to keep food out of animal reach.

A cradle made of goat leather for little Djamila. (Toufouchi, Aïr, Niger)

Mother and children at the Arali camp site. (Oued Issaouane, Aïr, Niger)

Tima using her goat´s milk to make a cheese called Tukemarine. (Toufouchi, Aïr, Niger)

Tuareg nomads selling salt cakes at the camp site. (Camp Aouï, Aïr, Niger)

Filling up with water for people and camels at the Takarit well. (Oued Takarit / Aïr / Niger)

«Water is life» – filling the guerba, made of goat leather. (Guelta Baloumat / Aïr / Niger)

Last efforts in the Ténéré before arriving at the well - Erg Izane / Ténéré / Niger

This Tuareg boy´s hair plaits are consecrated to Allah. - Campement Abakaoua / Puits de Faris / Tezirzek / Aïr / Niger

The chief’s toothbrush - Boubakar ag Mohamed does not smoke. He uses this piece of wood, taken from a very widespread bush in the Sahara called the «Abesgouin», to clean his teeth – which by no means detracts from the authority in his eyes! - Niger / Aïr / 2001

Niger - The caravan leader Mohamed ag Boubakar with his toothbrush.

Portrait of a young Touareg - Faris / Aïr / Niger

The Tuareg Kel Tédélé - Kogo / Aïr / Niger

Touareg woman at the well of Faris - Aïr / Niger

Targui in a Touareg camp in the Hoggar - Algeria

Aïr / Tagueït / The guide In the desert, it is always the man of knowledge and experience who chooses the best route to preserve the resources of the caravan.

Aïr / The "taguella" Cooking the taguella owes everything to the desert. The sand acts as an oven, heated by the embers of wood carried on camels.

Erg Izane / Getting into another world The caravan is about to enter a mineral universe that is no longer the world of men but that of an intact nature where only the nomads know how to survive.

Ténéré / The long walk Beyond the dunes of Izane, the massif of Tahmert will be the point of arrival in the evening of a long and beautiful day sailing through the Sahara.

Ténéré / Erg Izane / Stop in the shadow No tree, no rock as far as the eye can see. For the rest of a few minutes, the only shadow is that of the camels, but they can only turn their backs to the sun.

Aïr / Tamgak / The relaxation In the mountains, men finally find the time and the place of a real relax where water and fire get married.

Aïr / Toufouchi / Beauties of the desert In the camps the camel-drivers find their wives dressed with their finest attires, like the sailors on their return to the harbour....

Kadi, sedentary Touareg woman, of French father, wearing her jewels (Djanet / Algeria / 1968)

Young sedentary Tuareg woman in party outfit (Djanet / Algeria / 1961)

Tuareg blacksmith woman (Tézirzek well / Aïr / Niger / 1992)

Wife of Chanounou, chief of a traditional Tuareg tribe (North of Aïr / Niger / 2001)

On indigo fabric background, nomad woman's hands and traditional Tuareg jewellery

Shepherdess of the Iférouane region (North-Aïr / Niger)

The trees feed the goats, which feed the nomads (Nord-Aïr / Niger)

Azalaï in the sandstorm – Niger – Tenere

Getting into another world
The caravan is about to enter a mineral universe that is no longer the world of men but that of an intact nature where only the nomads know how to survive.
Niger - Aïr - Erg Izane - 2002

Well
Each well is a privileged point where the nomads meet. In the immensity of the great desert, it is also the secret of the initiates: Find it if you can! The unfortunate who has embarked on an adventure with a rope too short is likely to die of thirst at its side.
Algeria - Immidir - Hassi Meniet - 1965

Game
Every nomad likes to play. The preference is given to the game of checkers, whose pawns are pebbles or camel poop. Each move is punctuated by endless discussions.
Algeria - Hoggar Camp - 1968

Well of the Ténéré tree
At the bottom of this 36 meters deep well, the water is of poor quality, but necessary for caravaneers. It is brought to the surface by muscle power or with the help of animals.
Niger - Tenere - 1967

Entering another world
The caravan is about to enter a mineral universe that is no longer the world of men but that of an intact nature where only the nomads can survive.
Niger - Aïr - Erg Izane - 2002

Abakaoua
In his indigo outfit, chief Abakaoua ag Kanom, a symbol of the stubborn resistance of the Touareg Kel Tédélé people, proudly wears his 72 years and underlines the tenacious will of his gaze with a line of khol.
Niger - Aïr - 2003

Caravan
In the Aïr, the guide searches on foot for the best passage for his caravan through the dunes. Niger - Aïr - Erg Izane - 2000

In the morning light
Caravan in the Temet wadi.
Niger - Aïr - 2003

Touareg
This noble Touareg of the Kel Rela tribe is armed with his spear. The spear is becoming more and more rare; it was used to hunt gazelles or mouflons. The tagoûlmoust, the veil that surrounds the head and hides the lower face, is given by the father to his son when he reaches puberty.
Algeria - Hoggar - 1964

Long live the bride
The pectoral pendant is the centrepiece of the adornment of a woman on the day of her marriage. Around the neck, she wears a collar formed by cloves. The scent that emerges is very appreciated among women.
Algeria - Illizi - 1967

Nomad tent made of animal skins in Sidi Mohammed's camp on the track through the Hoggar. - Algeria - 1966

Facing Mecca, a Tuareg performs his prayer in a nomadic «mosque». Everywhere in the Sahara, you can find such open-air churches, whose enclosure consists of stones piled on top of each other. - Hoggar - Algeria - 1966

Departure. The women fold up the Issabeur or Assaber, a kind of removable fence 8 to 10 metres long that protects against wind and winter cold. The Issabeur is made of mats stitched together with the long stems of the Markuba, a grass plant that thrives in clumps in the desert. - Algeria - 1966

Targui Kel Rela is a distinguished Tuareg of the Rela tribe from Hirafok in the Tamanrasset province in the Hoggar mountains. The lance has become rare. In the sixties of the twentieth century, gazelles and mouflons were still hunted with the lance. The veil that surrounds the head and masks the lower half of the face is called litham in Arabic and tagulmust in the Tuareg language. The son receives it from his father as soon as he reaches puberty. - Algeria - 1964

Targui Kel Rela is a distinguished Tuareg of the Rela tribe from Hirafok in the Tamanrasset province in the Hoggar mountains. The veil that surrounds the head and masks the lower half of the face is called litham in Arabic and tagulmust in the Tuareg language. The son receives it from his father as soon as he reaches puberty. - Algeria - 1966

The tea water is boiled on an open fire. Targui Litni in Sidi Mohammed's camp on the track through the Hoggar. - Algeria - 1966

Targui Litni in Sidi Mohammed's camp on the track through the Hoggar. - Algeria - 1966

In the camp, life melts away in little drops of time that you sip with relish. Every nomad loves to play. The favourite pastime is a kind of checkers game with stones, some of which are pebbles, others camel dung balls. There are endless discussions between the individual moves. - Algeria - 1966

Tuareg woman from the Dag Rali tribe in the Hoggar. Around her neck, apart from the simple necklaces, she wears a pendant of 14 silver, faceted diamonds attached to a leather base. Underneath is an amulet with geometric ornaments. It encloses a Koran verse and is typical of Berber art. - Algeria - 1966

Agricultural centre in Amsel near Tamanrasset in the Hoggar Massif. When the grain is ripe, it is cut with simple sickles. - Algeria - 1966

The purple mountains of the Tassili N'Aijer shimmer in a mirage of water. The Tassili mountains are the domain of the Ajjer Tuareg, the land of veiled, poor but independent men. - Algeria - 1966

Every year, regular visitors meet at the Chouffane, a camel riding festival linked to an annual market that takes place at the Tarat oasis on the Lebanese border (Tassili n´Ajjer, Algeria). On this occasion, the Tuareg tribe leaders, who otherwise rarely meet, gather together in one of the tents. - Algeria - 1962

Kel Meddale, a Tuareg Meharist from Tarat in the Illizi province of Algeria, on the border with Libya. - Algeria - 1962

A Tuareg Meharist from Tarat in the Illizi province of Algeria, on the border with Libya. - Algeria - 1962

At the Tarat well in Illizi province, Algeria, on the border with Libya. - Algeria - 1962

The well of Edjef in the province of Illizi in Algeria. - 1962

At the well of Tarat - Tarat is a village in the municipality of Illizi in the province of Illizi in Algeria. It is located near the border with Libya next to a wadi on the eastern edge of the Tassili n'Ajjer mountains. - Algeria – 1962

Nomad tent at Fort Polignac, today called Illizi. - Algeria - 1966

The preparation and tasting of green tea represent the most uniformly performed rite in the whole expanse of the Sahara, where coffee is practically unknown. There is an "etiquette of tea", and the way it is prepared and drunk is followed with a critical eye by the Tuareg. The Targuia of Illizi, Tassili n' Ajjer, stands out as much for the nobility of her bearing as the delicacy of her features. The Berber ancestry is very clear here. All the jewellery she wears is made of silver. The wealth of this "big tent" woman would undoubtedly allow her to own gold, but this metal is said to attract the evil eye. The Tuareg are extremely superstitious. - Algeria - 1966

Feminine adornment. The silver chest pendant is the jewel in a woman's outfit on her wedding day. Its composition and ornaments are always the same. Around the neck: a kind of necklace composed of cloves, whose fragrance is much appreciated by women. - Algeria - 1966

Feminine adornment. The silver chest pendant is the jewel in a woman's outfit on her wedding day. Its composition and ornaments are always the same. - Djanet - Algeria - 1962

Illizi in Algeria: The Touareg woman - wife of Amastan - loads her dromedary with her household goods. - Algeria - 1962

Illizi in Algeria: This Tuareg boy is the son of Amastan, a noble Targui. - Algeria - 1962

Tuareg nomad camp in the Oued Djerat in the Tassili Mountains. - Algeria - 1962

Targui Amasher prepares the fire in the Oued Touloult in the Tassili n'Ajjer. - Algeria - 1966

The preparation of the tea is a ritual. The water is boiled on an open fire. - Algeria - 1962

In the Sahara, water is more abundant than you think, but it is hidden, underground. In the valley of Iherir (Tassili N' Ajjer), however, it flows freely, bouncing off the rocks in waterfalls. Iherir is one of the areas of the Sahara where there is the most water. The rocky bottom prevents the precious wet from seeping into the ground. - Algeria - 1966

Since there is enough water in the valley of Iherir in Tassili N'Ajjer, the sedentary people can cultivate their fields. - Algeria - 1966

The construction of this hut of a sedentary Targui is only found in Idaren in the valley of Iherir in the Tassili N'Ajjer. - Algeria - 1966

A Tuareg woman grinds the grain on a stone mill - Camp Idriss - Dider - Tassili n'Ajjer. - Algeria - 1966

From an early age, the Tuareg boy gets used to the harsh life of the desert. He looks after the camels and the herds of goats, takes them to the wells to drink. When he reaches puberty, he receives the tagulmust from his father, the veil he puts around his head and never takes off in front of the women, not even to eat. - Algeria - 1966

Meharists on a reconnaissance ride at Fort Gardel, Tassili n'Ajjer. - Algeria - 1966

The water service is women's work. The containers are made of bottle gourds. The women carry them from the well to their homes with the help of a rope tied around their foreheads. - In the El Mihan district, Djanet. - Algeria - 1966

Early in the morning, the Koran school is held in front of the mosque of one of the three villages that make up the Djanet oasis. The taleb (teacher) writes a Quranic verse on a wooden board. The student has to repeat it aloud until he knows it by heart. Since everyone has a different verse to memorise and speaks at their own discretion, you can imagine the relaxed atmosphere that prevails here. - Algeria - 1962

Early in the morning, the Koran school is held in front of the mosque of one of the three villages that make up the Djanet oasis. The taleb (teacher) writes a Quranic verse on a wooden board. The student has to repeat it aloud until he knows it by heart. Since everyone has a different verse to memorise and speaks at their own discretion, you can imagine the relaxed atmosphere that prevails here. - Algeria - 1966

At the festival that concludes the thirty fasting days of Ramadan, Djanet throws himself into gala, dons his flaming ganduras. And then the communal prayer takes place in the cemetery to honour the dead. - Algeria - 1966

Two Tuareg couples in festive garb. The woman on the left plays an imzad, the targui on the right has his lance stuck in the sand in front of him. - Djanet - Algérie - 1962

Young sedentary Tuareg woman in festive robe. - Djanet - Algeria - 1962

Tuareg girl from the Djanet region. - Algeria - 1962

The Sahrawi woman makes the "tasufra" from goatskin, decorates it with beautiful patterns and attaches a manual lock made from a leather rope called "sir" to make it easier for the man to open. It is a leather bag with a length of about 1.5 m and a width of 70 cm, which is attached to both sides of the camel. The "tasufra" is used to store food, tea sets and other things that nomads need when travelling. It takes 4 to 6 days to make. Liquids and sharp tools that could damage the camel during the ride are not carried. - Algeria - 1962

The imzad, a one-stringed violin, consists of half a bottle gourd covered with goatskin and a wooden handle. The string is made of horsehair. The bow is a curved piece of laurel rose wood. Only the women play this instrument on festive days. Tuareg poetry is expressed orally. - Algeria - 1962

Young Tuareg woman from the Djanet region. - Algeria - 1962

Tuareg society has a matriarchal structure. This imzad player (the imzad is a one-stringed musical instrument) praises the great deeds of her ancestors as handed down to her by her mother; she is the keeper of tradition. However, the difficult art of playing the imzad is becoming more and more lost. The instrument is made of half a calabash with sheepskin stretched over it, the bridge is made of the wood of the laurel rose. - Algeria - 1962

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

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

The inhabitants of Djanet dance the festival of Shebiba. The women beat the obsessive rhythm tirelessly with their drum, the Ganga. - Algeria - 1962

The preparation of the tea is mainly a man's job. It requires all the seriousness of this Targui, who demonstrates his agility by filling the glasses from high up: He must not miss a drop. The teapot is generally the obligatory souvenir that the pilgrim brings back from Mecca. Traditionally made of brass, it is often replaced by an enamelled pot. The tea is always very heavily sugared, and the great luxury is to add a sprig of mint, which gives it a very pleasant taste. - Hoggar - 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

This targui crushes dates to free them from the seeds. Dates are rich in sugar and have a correspondingly high calorie content. This earned them the name "bread of the desert". Fibre, minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, and B vitamins make them a healthy snack. The content of the amino acid tryptophan is particularly interesting. - Djanet - Algeria - 1962

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

A Saharan Meharist Company (from méhari, the Saharan riding camel) was stationed in Djanet. The Meharists were units of the French army that were supposed to control the areas of the Sahara during the colonial period. They employed regular soldiers, the tirailleurs, and Saharan "suppletifs" recruited among the major nomadic tribes, the Moors, Tuaregs, Toubous or Arabs. The Targui Caïd Bellaï is one of these "suppletifs". He is very tall and measures 2.01 m. - Algeria - 1962

Somewhere in the Tassili, a Targui returns home; and nothing in his posture, nothing in his surroundings, nothing in his clothes yet makes us think that the mineral resources of the Sahara will one day turn him into a man of the distant 21st century. And yet ... ! - Algeria - 1962

In the middle of the Tassili, you can suddenly come across a nomadic mosque. - Algeria - 1962

Because of the altitude and the water-retaining properties of the sandstone, the vegetation in the Tassili is somewhat richer than in the surrounding desert. This includes a very sparse tree population of the endangered, endemic Sahara cypress (Cupressus dupreziana) and the Sahara myrtle (Myrtus nivellei) in the higher altitudes in the east of the area. - Tassili n'Ajjer - Tin Abou Teka - Algeria - 1966

At Jabbaren, Targui Hosseini kneels in deep prayer. - Algeria - 1966

The well by the tree of Ténéré. The mediocre water is found at a depth of 36 metres and is brought up by hand by the Tuareg or Toubou men of the caravans. A few metres further on is a second well, but unusable: a camel has fallen in. – Ténéré – Niger - 1966

And the caravan moves on, untouched, it seems, by fatigue, thirst and sandy winds. Never does the leader lose his way, of which he knows every dune, every bend. But sometimes, consumed by his too great efforts, a camel falls as if struck by lightning. It will not rise again. Often, not only must the animal be abandoned, but also its burden left behind if no replacement camels follow the train. And all along the track, white skeletons, slowly buried by the sand, mark the harsh ordeal of the peaceful "desert ships". - Ténéré - Niger - 1966

Camel breeding is the occupation of the noble. In reality, they are dromedaries in the Sahara, but they have been called camels for centuries. Up to the age of three or four, the camel stays in the pasture. Then it starts to be trained. Between six and eight years, it is put to work. Male animals are usually used for the large caravans. – Niger - 1966

Camel market in In-Gall in Aïr (Republic of Niger). As in all marketplaces in Africa, people haggle extensively. The Tuareg are very vain. They often wear bracelets made of stone, e.g. serpentine, slate or limestone, above their elbows. The man in the white gandura on the left has a braid hanging from the litham on either side of his head, a custom typical of the Aïr. – Niger - 1966

Each tribe has its own special mark that it burns on the animals to be able to recognise them if they get lost. – Niger - 1966

The dromedary is a common domestic animal throughout North Africa. The southern limit of distribution is in the Sahel zone from Senegal to Sudan at about 13-15 degrees north latitude. - 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

This Touareg needs an umbrella to protect it from the sun. - Near Tabalak in the northern Sahel. - Niger - 1970

As a means of transport, these two Touaregs from the Tabalak region need a dromedary. The use of an umbrella is unusual. - Niger - 1970

In front of the Tabalak pond, Niger, the two Tuaregs on their camels form a striking contrast: one could better imagine them in the gorges of the Tassili. The trees are dead, although their roots are in the water. This is due to the fact that a pool is by definition temporary and can form after a rain that fell years after the last one. Combine this with the fact that when pasture becomes scarce, shepherds cut off all the branches that still have some leaves on them for the needs of their flock. The terrible drama in the Sahel has been made much worse by this custom. - Niger - 1970

In front of the Tabalak pond, Niger, these Tuaregs on their camels form a striking contrast: one could better imagine them in the gorges of the Tassili. The trees are dead, although their roots are in the water. This is due to the fact that a pool is by definition temporary and can form after a rain that fell years after the last one. Combine this with the fact that when pasture becomes scarce, shepherds cut off all the branches that still have some leaves on them for the needs of their flock. The terrible drama in the Sahel has been made much worse by this custom. - Niger - 1970

Portrait of a Touareg of the Kel Idjera-Ajeroven tribe. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

On the way through the Wadi Taligit, which leads from Djanet to the high plateau of the Tassili. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

On the way in the Wadi Taligit, which leads from Djanet to the high plateau of the Tassili. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

High plateau of the Tassili - Two Touareg playing checkers. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Tin-Aboteka - Here too you will find shelters with magnificent rock art. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

In the Séfar region - three Touaregs are on the road with their fully packed donkeys. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

Tin-Kani is an archaeological site in the Tassili N'Ajjer region in southeastern Algeria, home to impressive geological formations as well as numerous rock paintings. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

A Targui leads his dromedaries through the labyrinth of Tin-Kani. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

The Ti-Sfad area is located southeast of the famous Sefar site on the Tassili-n-Ajjer plateau. It is an impressive landscape with stone forests and standing rocks. The visitor will find here a labyrinth of deep passages (Ti-Sfad means "The Passages" in the Tamahaq dialect) into which the sunlight never penetrates at any time of the day. Undoubtedly one of the most magnificent landscapes of the Tassili National Park. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

In the Tin-Messeous area, there are many stone forests with shelters where rock paintings can be found. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

After the descent from the Edjefané pass, south-east of Djanet. A Targui prepares his meal. Algeria - Tassili n'Ajjer - 1993

A group of Tuareg nomads have completed their barter transactions near Adrar Madet and are getting ready to return to the Aïr Mountains. - Adrar Madet - Niger - 2002

Departure of the caravan. - Adrar Madet - Niger - 2002

The caravan forms up for departure. - Adrar Madet - Niger - 2002

The caravan leaves the Adrar Madet in a westerly direction. About 70 kilometres lead through the Erg Brousset to the foothills of the Aïr Mountains. - Adrar Madet - Niger - 2000

The caravan begins with the crossing of Erg Brousset. - Niger - 2001

Late afternoon in Erg Brousset. - Niger - 2000

In the desert, it is always the man of knowledge and experience who chooses the best way to obtain the caravan's resources. - End of the crossing of Erg Brousset. Abakaoua, the Tuareg chief, leads the caravan to the sand dunes of Tagueït. - Niger - 2001

On the way to the Tagueït waterhole - Niger - 2000

The dromedaries are led to the nearby well of Ibil, where they can quench their thirst. - Tagueït - Niger 2002

The dromedaries have quenched their thirst in nearby Ibil and return to the camp at Tagueït. - Niger 2002

Abakaoua, the chief of the Tuareg tribe Tel-Kédélé - Oued Torguit - Aïr - Niger - 1999

Descent to the Oued Tanakom - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Travelling between Anakom and Agamgam - Descent over the dunes of Torguit - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The caravan en route to Agamgam - The dunes of Torguit - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Evening atmosphere in the camp at Guelta Agamgam - Aïr - Niger - 1999

The feet of a Tuareg nomad - Guelta Agamgam - Aïr - Niger - 2002

In Camp Agamgam - Aïr - Niger - 1992

The caravan reaches the Oued Agamgam - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The caravan between Agamgam and Tafajrit - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The caravan passes through the exit of a canyon into the Arakao. - Aïr - Niger - 2002

As a scout, the guide Abakaoua explores the narrow passage that leads to the top of the Ifiniyane dunes. - Aïr - Niger - 1999

On the way we collect food for the dromedaries. - Aïr - Niger - 1999

The day's hike is coming to an end. We soon reach the camp site for the night. - Tineken - Arakao - Aïr - Niger - 1999

In the camp at the Crab Claw at the end of the Oued Arakao - Aïr - Niger - 2000

A Targia in the camp at the Crab Claw at the end of the Oued Arakao - Aïr - Niger - 2000

The caravan crosses the Crab Claw at the edge of the Ténéré - Aïr - Niger - 2000

The dunes of Tchi-n-Taboûrak rise on the north side of the Crab Claw - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Dune ascent at Tchi-n-Taboûrak - The dromedaries took the route around the outside of the dunes - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The last large waterhole is in the Oued Takarit. Here you "fill up" with as much water as possible before entering the large sea of dunes of Erg Izane. - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The last large waterhole is in the Oued Takarit. As much water as possible is "refuelled" here before heading into the large sea of dunes of Erg Izane. - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Camp in the dunes of Lérouanan - Erg Izane - Aïr - Niger - 2000

On the threshold of the entrance to Erg Izane, a large sea of sand dunes. - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The dromedaries return from grazing - Camp in the dunes of Lérouanan - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Arrival at the Kel-Tédélé-Tuareg camp in the Oued Gouloukou - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Nomad tent over a wooden scaffolding in the camp of the Kel-Tédélé-Tuareg in the Oued Gouloukou - Kogo - Aïr - Niger - 1992

In the camp of the Kel-Tédélé-Tuareg in the Oued Gouloukou - Kogo - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Targia with child in the Kel-Tédélé-Tuareg camp in the Oued Gouloukou - The mortar is hand-carved from aborak wood and is also used as a musical instrument when reversed and covered with a goatskin. The stick is made of acacia wood. - Kogo - Aïr - Niger - 1992

The goat's milk is stored in a gourd container. - Camp of the Kel-Tédélé-Tuareg - Oued Gouloukou - Kogo - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Boy in the Kel-Tédélé-Tuareg camp in the Oued Gouloukou - Kogo - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Girl and baby in the Kel-Tédélé-Tuareg camp in the Oued Gouloukou - The mortar is hand-carved from aborak wood and is also used as a musical instrument when reversed and covered with a goatskin. The stick is made of acacia wood. - Kogo - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Preparing food in the Kel-Tédélé-Tuareg camp - Oued Gouloukou - Kogo - Aïr - Niger - 1992

A goat being milked - Kel-Tédélé-Tuareg camp - Oued Gouloukou - Kogo - Aïr - Niger - 1992

In the camp of the Kel-Tédélé-Tuareg in the Oued Gouloukou - Kogo - Air - Niger - 1992

In the camp near the well of Faris - Air - Niger - 1992

Targi in the camp near the well of Faris - Air - Niger - 1992

Ahmed ag Kanom, the brother of the clan chief Abakaoua - Camp of the Kel-Tédélé-Tuareg - Oued Gouloukou - Kogo - Air - Niger - 1992

Young Targia in the Kel-Tédélé camp in the Oued Tchiulmas at the foot of the Tamgak massif - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Targia in the Kel-Tédélé camp in the Oued Tchiulmas at the foot of the Tamgak massif - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Before crossing a desert, one must stock up on firewood. - At the camp of Elik-Ouan-Aggan - Air - Niger - 2001

The clan chief Abakaoua of the Kel-Tédélé - Oued Gouloukou - Kogo - Air - Niger - 1992

Setting off to cross the Erg Izane - Oued Gouloukou - Kogo - Air - Niger - 1992

Setting off to cross the Erg Izane - Issouane - Air - Niger - 2002

Setting off to cross the Erg Izane - To the right, at the back, is the area of Tchi-n-Taboûrak, from where we departed. - Issouane - Air - Niger - 2002

The caravan begins to cross the Erg Izane - Issouane - Air - Niger - 2000

On the way in the Erg Izane - Air - Niger - 2001

On the way in the Erg Izane - Abakaoua is lost in silent prayer - Air - Niger - 2001

On the way in the Erg Izane - Air - Niger - 2001

Halt in the late afternoon in the Erg Izane - Air - Niger - 2000

The caravan on the way in the Erg Izane - Air - Niger - 2002

On the way in the Erg Izane to the camp of Elik-Ouan-Aggan. In the background, the Taghmert Mountain. - Air - Niger - 2001

Crossing the sand sea Erg Izane. The Sloughi Temet is also there - Air - Niger - 2002

Crossing the sand sea Erg Izane - Air - Niger - 2002

On the way in the Erg Izane - Air - Niger - 2002

On the way in the Erg Izane - A dromedary needs to be reloaded - Air - Niger - 2000

On the way in the sand sea of the Erg Izane - Air - Niger - 2002

Crossing the sand sea Erg Izane - In the background, on the left the mountain Adrar Chiriet, on the right in the distance a marble hill - Air - Niger - 2002

Immersing into another world - The caravan enters another universe that is no longer the world of humans. In this untouched nature, only the nomads can survive. - On the left, the Adrar Chiriet - Erg Izane - Aïr - Niger - 2002

In the late afternoon in the Erg Izane - Air - Niger - 2002

In the late afternoon in the Erg Izane - The hour of prayer - Air - Niger - 2002

In the late afternoon in the Erg Izane - In the background, the mountain Adrar Chiriet - Air - Niger - 2002

The march continues through the dunes of the Erg Izan - In the back left the Adrar Chiriet - Air - Niger - 2002

The fruits of an acacia tree - called afagag in the Tuareg language - serve as fodder for the goats - Adrar Chiriet - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Boys and girls in the camp of Abakaoua, the Kel-Tédélé clan leader - Adrar Chiriet - Aïr - Niger - 1992

A young Targia in the camp of Abakaoua, the clan leader of the Kel-Tédélé - Adrar Chiriet - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Under the full moon shining in the sky, the caravan marches through the endless dunes of Erg Izane - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The caravan on its way towards Taghmert - Erg Izane - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Lunch break - Erg Izane - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The march continues in the direction of Tamgak - Erg Izane - Aïr - Niger - 2002

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 man's help is limited solely to procuring the raw material. Here a young Targi climbs a doum palm (Hyphaene) to cut off the leaves. This type of palm is characterised by a strong above-ground branching of the trunks, which is otherwise rare in palm trees - 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 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

Camp at the foot of the Adrar Bous - Niger - Aïr - 2003

The caravan before arriving in Bous - Temet region - Niger - Aïr - 2003

View of the caravan from the Bous barrier - Temet region - Niger - Aïr - 2003

The caravan moves in the morning light in Wadi Temet - Niger - Aïr - 2003

The caravan travelling in the dry riverbed of the Wadi Temet - Niger - Aïr - 2003

The caravan in a dry valley with sparse vegetation in the Temet region - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Citrullus Colocynthis: In the Wadis or valleys, you can easily find large fields of small pumpkins or watermelons. They are round balls scattered on the ground. Some are fresh, others are dried. You are not allowed to eat them, but they are used for medicinal purposes. For rheumatism, as a laxative, for gonorrhoea, for urinary tract infections, for diabetes... - Temet region - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Instead of the traditional guerbas, modern water canisters are filled with the delicious liquid - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Three Targias in the Tezirzek camp - An old tin barrel serves as a drum - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Two happy Targias in the Tezirzek camp - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Targia at the well of Tezirzek - Between the high plateau of the Ténéré and the Aïr Mountains, the well of Tezirkek attracts nomads and their animals. Unlike the men, the women do not wear headscarves. - Aïr - Niger - 2003

Women's smiles - The smiles of the women at the well of Tezirzek testify to their confidence in their freedom and the serenity that a hard but happy life brings. - Aïr - Niger - 2003

Women's smiles - The smiles of the women at the well of Tezirzek testify to their confidence in their freedom and the serenity that a hard but happy life gives. - Aïr - Niger - 2003

This Tuareg boy´s hair plaits are consecrated to Allah. In the camp of the Kel-Tédélé of Tezirzek - Aïr - Niger - 1992

A young Targi in the Abakaoua camp in Tezirzek - Niger - Aïr - 1992

Tuareg boy in the camp of the Kel-Iguéga of Tezirzek - Aïr - Niger - 1992

The brother of the clan chief Abakoua fetches a dromedary from the pasture - Niger - Aïr - 1992

Members of the Kel-Iguéga clan in the Tezirzek camp - Niger - Aïr - 1992

"Tent" of a family of the Kel-Iguéga clan in the Tezirzek camp - Niger - Aïr - 1992

The brother of Abakaoua, head of the Kel-Tedélé clan, with his son - Tezirzek well - Niger - Aïr - 1992

Portrait of a Targis in the Kel-Iguéga camp near Tezirzek - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Young Targia with her little brother in the Kel-Iguéga camp - The boy carries a lucky amulet containing a written verse from the Koran - Well of Tezirzek- Niger - Aïr - 199292

The goats are supplied with water - Well of Tezirzek- Niger - Aïr - 1992

The caravan continues south towards Tchioulmas - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Cutting the drinn on the way, fodder for the dromedaries - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Camp in the dunes - Between Tezirzek and the Oued Tchioulmas - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Travelling in the dunes between Tezirzek and the Oued Tchioulmas - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Boubakar has to make a new rope - Camp in Oued Tchioulmas - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Playing draughts in the camp in Oued Tchioulmas - Niger - Aïr - 2003

On the way home to the camp in the Oued Tiétak - Niger - Aïr - 1992

The well of Tchou-m-Adegdeg - Tebet region between Adrar Chiriet and Tamgak - Niger - Aïr - 1992

At the well of Tchou-m-Adegdeg - A goatskin guerba is filled with water - Tebet region between Adrar Chiriet and Tamgak - Niger - Aïr - 1992

On the way through a dry valley leading to the Guelta Iffazane - Niger - Aïr - 2003

On the way through a dry valley leading to the Guelta Iffazane - In the far background the Adrar Chiriet, in the middle ground the area of Tebet - Niger - Aïr - 2003

At Guelta Iffazane, the water gushing out of the ground flows over several steps into a small lake. Fresh greenery can be found here all year round - A guerba is filled with water - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Oued with the Tamgak Mountains in the background - Niger - Aïr - 2003

In the Oued Aouï – The Tamgak Mountains in the background on the left - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Warehouse in the Oued Aouï - Salt from Bilma is traded here - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Cérémonie du thé au camp de Tachaouit - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Preparation of food in the Tachaouit camp - Niger - Aïr - 2003

The dromedaries are freed from their burden - Tachaouit camp - Niger - Aïr - 2003

The caravan sets off again early in the morning - Tachaouit - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Evening atmosphere in the camp of Chanounou - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Everything that needs to be kept safe from the goats is hung up in the appropriate place - Chanounou camp - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Sleeping place in the camp of Chanounou - Niger - Aïr - 2003

A veil of respect - To follow the ancestral way of life, tradition and freedom merge in mutual respect. - Camp of Chanounou - Aïr - Niger - 2003

Wife of Chanounou, the chief of a traditional Tuareg tribe - Aïr - Niger - 2003

The Guelta Baloumat in the gorge between the two Tamgak mountains - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The dum palm (Hyphaene thebaica) is a multi-stemmed palm species with oval, edible fruits. In ancient Egypt, this palm was used for its fruit, fibres and leaves, but the date palm was not native to Egypt and only produced dates when it could be pollinated. - Guelta Baloumat in the gorge between the two Tamgak mountains - Aïr - Niger - 2000

The Guelta Baloumat in the gorge between the two Tamgak mountains - Aïr - Niger - 2001

During the hottest part of the day, the men find a shady place to rest - Niger - Aïr - 2003

To pass the time, the pieces of the Daara game are moved, a kind of draughts game - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Shortly before spending the night in the camp at Guelta Baloumat - Niger - Aïr - 2003

In the evening, the camp is set up for the night at the Baloumat guelta - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The camel drivers sit around the fire under which the traditional taguella is cooked - Guelta Baloumat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The meat of a goat is cut into pieces and roasted on the fire - Guelta Baloumat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The cook prepares the food - On the right in front a guerba with water - Camp at Guelta Baloumat - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Tea ceremony in the camp of Chanounou - Niger - Aïr - 2003

A new rope is being made - The white stripes are made of plastic! - Camp at Guelta Baloumat - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Boubakar twists a new string from plastic strips - Guelta Baloumat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

‘Water is life’, the delicious liquid is bottled in the goatskin guerba - Guelta Baloumat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

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

A guerba was filled with water from the Guelta Baloumat - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Camp on the edge of the Tamgak massif - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2000

The caravan on the way to the western exit of the gorge that crosses the Tamgak massif - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The caravan approaches the end of the gorge that runs through the Tamgak massif. - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The caravan leaves the Oued Tamgak. Behind the mountains on the right is the town of Iferouâne - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Last obstacles before the caravan arrives in the city of Iferouâne - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Travelling through a wide wadi in the late afternoon - Niger - Aïr - 2003

The obligatory taguella is prepared in the camp - Niger - Aïr - 2003

Back at the Zakkat camp near the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Traditional well at Zakkat - The water is lifted from the depths of the well in a sack with the help of a cow or a dromedary -- Niger - Aïr - 2003

Boubakar ag Mohamed, a proud Targi in the camp of Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Armali ag Aglai, a proud Targi in the camp of Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Abdelkrim ag Ahmed, a proud Targi in the camp of Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Ahmed ag Chaoua, a proud Targi in the camp of Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Bachar ag Ahmouda, a proud Targi in the camp of Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Abakaoua ag Kanom, the clan chief of the Kel-Tédélé in the camp of Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Sidi ag Atuwal, a proud Targi in the camp of Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Irham, a proud Targi in the camp of Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Ibrahim, a proud Targi in the camp of Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Boubakar ag Mohamed - Guelta Baloumat - Aïr - Niger - 2003

A proud Targi - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2003

Ahmed ag Chaoua - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2003

Irham - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2003

Bachar ag Ahmouda - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2003

Abakaoua ag Kanom, the Kel-Tédélé clan chief - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2003

Abdelkrim, son of Ahmed ag Chaoua - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2003

Chemma - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2003

Ibrahim - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2003

Loading the dromedaries at the camp in Oued Takarit - Aïr - Niger - 1999

Departure in the morning sun - Camp Tebet - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Rest in the Tebet area, on the edge of Erg Izane - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Leaving the dunes of Erg Izanes behind, the caravan approaches the foothills of the Tamgak Mountains - Aïr - Niger - 2001

A last camp in the sand dunes before the caravan makes its way through the mountains - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Camp on the edge of the Tamgak Mountains - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Camp on the edge of the Tamgak Mountains - A tagella, the bread of the Tuareg nomads, is baked in sand heated by fire - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Achmed ag Chaoua from the Kel-Tédélé tribe takes a well-earned rest - Aïr - Niger - 2000

The caravan begins its journey through the Tamgak Mountains - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Resting in the shade of a tree at the Guelta Iffazane - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Tea ritual at the Guelta of Iffazane - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Ascent to the pass from Tagardet - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The landscape at the pass of Tagardet - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Descent from the pass of Tagardet - Aïr - Niger - 2000

The caravan in the Oued of Tagardet - Aïr - Niger - 2000

The caravan in the Oued of Tagerdet - Aïr - Niger - 2000

In the Oued Tagardet - Aïr - Niger - 2000

The Adrar Tamgak is located in the north-east of the Aïr and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Aïr and Ténéré Nature Reserve. The mountain massif is divided into a northern and a southern section by a deep, arching gorge running in a west-east direction. - The caravan crosses the Teliaouet - Aïr - Niger - 2000 pass

Descent from the Teliaouet Pass - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The Adrar Tamgak is located in the north-east of the Aïr and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Aïr and Ténéré Nature Reserve. The mountain massif is divided into a northern and a southern section by a deep, arching gorge running in a west-east direction. The western entrance to the gorge is around five kilometres from the village of Iférouane. Its eastern exit leads into the sand dunes of the Ténéré desert to the south-west of the Chiriet massif. Underground water flows to the surface at the side gorges, creating large pools of water, especially in the western part. The dry valley running through the gorge is the Tamgak, with the Toufouchi and the Zakkat as important tributaries. - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Taguella is a flatbread, the staple food of the Tuareg living in the Sahara. It is a disc-shaped bread made from wheat flour, which is baked under hot sand and charcoal from a small fire. The bread is then broken into small pieces and eaten with a meat sauce. - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Portrait Touareg Arali - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Portrait Touareg Eikerim - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Portrait Touareg Chemma ag Gafid - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Portrait Touareg Hiram, the prayer leader of the camel drivers - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Portrait of Touareg Bachar ag Akhmadou - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Portrait of Touareg Abakaoua, chief of the Kel-Tédélé clan - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Boubakar - The chief of a Tuareg clan - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Eating millet and milk together - The hand replaces the fork - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

There is always enough time for a chat at mealtime - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Lunch is prepared at the camp - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2000

The caravan moves on through the Tamgak Mountains - Aïr - Niger - 2001

A waterhole in the northern part of the Tamgak Mountains - The water supply needs to be replenished - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The caravan moves through the northern part of the Tamgak Mountains - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The caravan in the Oued Tai Rei Iben, a side valley of the Oued Zakkat - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Descent in the Oued Tai Rei Iben, a side valley of the Oued Zakkat - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2002

In the valley of the Gueltas in the northern part of the Tamgak Mountains - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The goatskin guerbas are filled with water. In the valley of the gueltas (waterholes), in the northern part of the Tamgak massif, also known as Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The caravan travelling in the valley of the Gueltas (waterholes), in the northern part of the Tamgak massif, also called Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

In a side valley in the south-western part of the Adrar Tamgak - The caravan on the way to Abri Ilem - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

In Tamascheq, the language of the Tuareg, they say Aman Eres. Aman means water and Eres means hole. - In the northern part of the Adrar Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Boubakar, the head of the clan, also acts as a vet. A dromedary needs to be treated. - In the northern part of the Adrar Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Descent from a pass in the direction of Oued Tamgak. - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Camp at a guelta in the gorge between the two Tamgak mountain ranges - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Camp at a guelta in the gorge between the two Tamgak mountain ranges - Note that the bush serves as a pantry - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Guelta in the gorge between the two Tamgak mountain ranges - Aïr - Niger - 2000

The evening tea ritual in the camp - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2000

The guerbas are filled with water at a guelta in the gorge between the two Tamgak mountains - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Well in the gardens of Iferouâne. According to old custom, the water is drawn up in a leather bag and distributed into the irrigation channels - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Ibrahim in the gardens of Iferouâne - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Abakaoua, the chief of the Tel-Kédéle clan, takes a break - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Ibrahim ag Arambi - in the gardens of Iferouâne - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Targia with child - in the gardens of Iferouâne - Aïr - Niger - 2000

A young Targia with her child in the camp of Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2000

As with many other indigenous peoples, the Targia carries her infant on her back - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2000

Two Targias lead their goats to a new feeding place in the Oued Timia - Niger - Aïr - 1992

Timia is a rural community in Niger. It is located approximately 150 kilometres north-east of Agadez in the middle of the desert area of the Aïr Mountains. The village is centred around a guelta oasis and is known for being one of the few places in the area with fruit trees. It is home to a seasonal waterfall, a French colonial fort and the ruins of the historic Tuareg village of Assodé. - Camp of Tuareg nomads in the Oued Timia - Niger - Aïr - 1992

Young Targia with traditional jewellery - Oued Timia - Niger - Aïr - 1992

Hands of a nomad woman with traditional Tuareg jewellery on indigo fabric in the background - Oued Timia - Niger - Aïr - 1992

At the fountain of Ounane Iterade, in the midst of lush vegetation - Niger - Aïr - 1999

Portrait of a Targis in the gardens of Iferouâne - Aïr - Niger - 1992

Portrait of a Targis in the gardens of Iferouâne - Aïr - Niger - 1999

In the evening, people meet for a chat to exchange news - Iferouâne - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Tatum, a young Targia, weaving ribbons that are further processed into mats - Iberkom - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Tatum prepares a meal for the road called Arichira. She needs dates, cheese and water - Iberkom - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Tatum, a young Targia, weaving ribbons that are further processed into mats - Iberkom - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Portrait of Tatum, a Targia in the camp of Chemma - Iberkom - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Portrait of a Targia in the camp of Chemma - Iberkom - Aïr - Niger - 2001

In the Chemma camp in Iberkom - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Selima preparing cheese from goat's milk - Chemma camp in Iberkom - Niger - Aïr - 2001

A Targia making cheese from goat's milk - Chemma camp in Iberkom - Niger - Aïr - 2001

The Enghar guelta - undoubtedly the coldest water in the whole of Aïr! The sun never reaches the depths of this rocky gorge on the track leading to Toufouchi. - Niger - Aïr - 2001

The fire must be rekindled - Toufouchi camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Ibrahim's daughters fetch the precious water from the waterhole - Toufouchi camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Ibrahim's daughter tastes the precious water from the waterhole - Toufouchi camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

This Targia is called Tima and is the daughter of Ibrahim - Toufouchi camp - Aïr - Niger - 2001

This Targia is called Tima and is the daughter of Ibrahim - She uses Khol, a powder, to apply make-up - Toufouchi camp - Aïr - Niger - 2001

School for life - In order to take part in life in the camp, the girl learns the necessary skills early on so that she can support her family. Here she is pounding millet in a mortar. The mortar is carved from aborak wood and also serves as a musical instrument when turned upside down and covered with a goatskin. The stick is made of acacia wood. - Toufouchi camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Tima uses goat's milk to make cheese called Tukemarine - Toufouchi camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Everywhere on earth the wind helps to separate the wheat from the chaff - Targia Raisa with her children Fatima and Hamed -Toufouchi camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

School for life - In order to take part in life in the camp, the girl learns the necessary skills early on so that she can support her family. Here she is pounding millet in a mortar. The mortar is carved from aborak wood and also serves as a musical instrument when turned upside down and covered with a goatskin. - Toufouchi camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Mohammed, a little Tuareg boy taking a siesta - Toufouchi camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Tea ceremony in Toufouchi camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

This Targia is a daughter of Ibrahim - Toufouchi camp - Aïr - Niger - 2001

A Targia with child in the Toufouchi camp - Aïr - Niger - 2001

A Targia in the Toufouchi camp - Aïr - Niger - 2001

I wonder if the grandmother is looking after her grandchild here? - Toufouchi camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

With the vessels in her hand, this young Targia looks round for a goat to be milked - Toufouchi camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

In the evening, the dromedaries are taken from the pasture at the Boubakar camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Nomad tents in Boubakar camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Milking a goat must be practised - Boubakar camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

The chief’s toothbrush - Boubakar ag Mohamed does not smoke. He uses this piece of wood, taken from a very widespread bush in the Sahara called the «Abesgouin», to clean his teeth – which by no means detracts from the authority in his eyes! - Camp Boubakar - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Pounding millet in a mortar - In the background a sleeping place - Boubakar camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

A Targia in the Boubakar camp - Aïr - Niger - 2001

A young Targi in the Boubakar camp - Aïr - Niger - 2001

A young Targia in the Boubakar camp - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The wealth of a Tuareg clan is reflected in the number of goats - Boubakar camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Milking a goat must be practised - Boubakar camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

The wealth of a Tuareg clan is reflected in the number of goats - Boubakar camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Preparations for making a taguella - Boubakar camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Nomad tent with sleeping quarters in the Boubakar camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Many animals gather around the well of Afis - Niger - Aïr - 2001

The well Tanet Mellet (= small beautiful well) at the camp of Bachar - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Two proud Tuareg ride through the camp on their dromedaries - On the left the clan chief Bachar - Tanet Mellet - Niger - Aïr - 2001

The water is fetched from the depths in a leather sack - Tanet Mellet - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Bachar (left), the boss, sits on the edge of the well and chats with a member of his clan - Tanet Mellet - Niger - Aïr - 2001

The vital water is poured into the drinking trough for the animals - Tanet Mellet well - Bachar camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

A guerba is filled with water - Tanet Mellet well - Bachar camp - Niger - Aïr - 2001

At the well Tanet Mellet - On the left the chief Bachar - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Targia with child in the Irham camp at the Tanet Mellet well - Niger - Aïr - 2001

The Targia Jennifer in the camp of Irham - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The young Targia Fatima in the camp of Irham - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The young Targi Achmed in the camp of Irham - Aïr - Niger - 2001

In the Irham camp near the Tanet Mellet well - Everything that must be out of reach of the goats is either hung up or stored on a rack - Niger - Aïr - 2001

A Tuareg nomad bed with Achmed, Fatma and Siliha. The frame is made of aborak wood, the mat is woven from palm leaves - Irham camp at the well of Tanet Mellet - Niger - Aïr - 2001

In the Irham camp near the Tanet Mellet well - This tent has a protective fence against the goats - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Jennifer processes an onion - In the Irham camp at the Tanet Mellet well - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Portrait Touareg Omar al Mahadj of the Kel-Takriza clan - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

A dromedary mare is milked at Brahim's camp near Iferouâne - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Targia with child in the gardens of Ibrahim near Iferouâne - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Ibrahim with his children in his camp near Iferouâne - Niger - Aïr - 2001

The little son of Ibrahim during his siesta - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Ibrahim of Toufouchi - In the camp near Iferouâne - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Ibrahim in the gardens near Iferouâne - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Targia in Ibrahim's camp in the gardens near Iferouâne - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The Targi Ibrahim in the camp of Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Ibrahim's house near Iferouâne - Niger - Aïr - 2001

The well of Eghaghar or Erarar - Aïr - Niger - 2001

At the well of Eghaghar or Erarar - Aïr - Niger - 2001

About 5 kilometres from Iferouâne is the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers, which flow down from the Tamgak massif. The Tuaregs have set up camp here. - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

About 5 kilometres from Iferouâne is the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers, which flow down from the Tamgak massif. The Tuaregs have set up camp here. - Preparations for a march into the Tamgak massif - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Targia with children in the camp at the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers - Aïr - Niger - 2001

In the camp at the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Targia with child in the camp at the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Landscape at the camp in the area of the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers - The goat herd is led to pasture - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Traditional well at the camp near the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers - The dromedary pulls the goatskin water container out of the well to irrigate the maize field - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Irrigation of the maize field at the camp near the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Traditional well at the camp near the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers - The dromedary pulls the goatskin water container out of the well to irrigate the maize field - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Traditional well at the camp near the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers - Not only dromedaries are used to pull up the water container, but also zebus - Aïr - Niger - 2002

In the Zakkat camp at the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers. Two Targias prepare the ‘sieve’ made of wheat straw, which is used to drain the goat cheese Toukamarin - Aïr - Niger - 2001

In the Zakkat camp at the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers. A Targia shows her visitor how to drain Toukamarin goat's cheese - Aïr - Niger - 2001

A great toy can be made from simple means - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Making a mat woven from palm leaves - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Selima washing her pots - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Appointment with the hairdresser - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The millet for the taguella is pounded in a mortar - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

A Targia preparing tea - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

People like to combine the preparation of a meal with a chat - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

On the day of the ‘Méchoui’, a whole sheep is roasted over the fire in honour of the guests - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Two Targis return to the camp on their dromedaries - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The Achekwa, a camel bag, is made by the wife of the blacksmith, the Malem - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The achekwa, a camel bag, is made by the wife of the blacksmith, the malem - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Departure atmosphere at the camp in the region of the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Tuareg girl in the camp of Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Young Targia in the Zakkat camp - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Selima, a Targia from Zakkat - Her husband is still a nomad, but Selima has settled down. In the oasis of Zakkat, she raises her two children and looks after a herd of goats. A Targia is a Tuareg woman, a Targi is a man. - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Yvonne, a Targia from Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Yvonne, a Targia from Zakkat, has just come from the hairdresser - Aïr - Niger - 2001

A little girl from Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Boubakar, a proud Targi in the Zakkat camp - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Boubakar, a proud Targi in the camp of Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The Amenokal of Iferouane - Among the Tuareg, the Amenokal (plural Imenokalen) or Tamenokalt, if it is a woman (plural Timenokalin), is the head of a Tuareg confederation (Kel), who is elected from the few relatives of the deceased Amenokal and seems to be wise enough to bring the loose confederation closer together. He holds the ettebel (war drum), the symbol of his power. The term Amenokal can be translated as "emperor" in English. The best-known Amenokal of the Tuareg is undoubtedly Queen Tin Hinan, who was a famous Tamenokalt. She founded the Kel Ahaggar community in the Ahaggar – Aïr – Niger - 2001

The Amenokal of Iferouane - Among the Tuareg, the Amenokal (plural Imenokalen) or Tamenokalt, if it is a woman (plural Timenokalin), is the head of a Tuareg confederation (Kel), who is elected from the few relatives of the deceased Amenokal and seems to be wise enough to bring the loose confederation closer together. He holds the ettebel (war drum), the symbol of his power. The term Amenokal can be translated as "emperor" in English. The best-known Amenokal of the Tuareg is undoubtedly Queen Tin Hinan, who was a famous Tamenokalt. She founded the Kel Ahaggar community in the Ahaggar - Niger - Aïr - 2001

Where will the next ride take us? - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

Gathering near the ruins of an old village near Agalal - Aïr - Niger - 2001

On the way back to Agadez - Encounter with a group of Targis near Agalal - Niger - Aïr - 2001

On the way back to Agadez - Tuareg tent by the wayside - The tree on the right is a Tamat, it is female. The male tree is called Abrok - Aïr - Niger - 2001

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