The camp Bechar is situated at the well of Zakkat - Niger

The Tuareg women produce richly decorated camel covers - camp Zakkat - Niger

Selima, a Targuia from Zakkat - Her husband is still a nomad, but Selima has become sedentary. In the Zakkat oasis, she educates her two children and takes care of a herd of goats. A Targuia is a woman; a Tuareg, a man. - Niger / Aïr / 2001

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

Zakkat / Building a roof In the oases, the nomads exchange meat and milk for the grain of the gardeners and the tools of the blacksmiths. The huts are often made of straw and leaves.

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 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 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 tied down and form a dome - 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 end of the gorge that runs right through the Tamgak massif. The tent made of mats is for visitors to the area. The camel saddles are parked in front of the tent - Tamgak - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The dromedaries are loaded again in the camp at the exit of the gorge - Tamgak - 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

In the northern part of the Tamgak Mountains - The watershed between the Oued Tamgak and the Oued Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

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

In the valley of the Gueltas in the northern part of the Tamgak Mountains. The big tree is called Aborak by the Tuaregs - Aïr - Niger - 2002

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

In the valley of the Gueltas in the northern part of the Tamgak Mountains. The trail of the dromedaries in the evening light - Aïr - Niger - 2002

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

An oued in the valley of the gueltas in the northern part of the Tamgak Mountains - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The caravan follows an oued in the northern part of the Tamgak Mountains - Aïr - Niger - 2002

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

A Targi refreshes himself in the valley of the gueltas (waterholes). In the northern part of the Tamgak massif, also known as Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

In the valley of the gueltas (waterholes), in the northern part of the Tamgak massif, also known as Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

A dromedary drinking water in the valley of the gueltas (waterholes), in the northern part of the Tamgak massif, also called Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

The caravan passes a waterhole. In the valley of the gueltas (waterholes) in the northern part of the Tamgak massif, also known as Zakkat - 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 Guelta Bilal in the valley of the Gueltas (water holes), in the northern part of the Tamgak massif, also called Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2002

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

The Guelta Mirroir in the valley of the Gueltas (waterholes), in the northern part of the Tamgak massif, also called 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 the gorge between the two parts of the Tamgak Mountains - Aïr - Niger - 2000

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

Young Targia preparing a meal - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2000

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

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

The Targi Ibrahim in the camp of 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. - 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 near the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers - Aïr - Niger - 2001

Landscape at the camp near the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers - The goat herd is led to pasture - 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 - 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 - 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

In the Zakkat camp at the confluence of the Tamgak and Zakkat rivers. The process of draining Toukamarin goat's cheese takes its course - 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

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

Detail of an achekwa, a camel bag 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

Sedentary Tuareg build a hut surrounded by cultivable land - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The dark-coloured tree is an acacia (called afagag in the Tuareg language), the light-coloured tree is a liana. Both often grow together in symbiosis - Zakkat - Aïr - Niger - 2001

The dark-coloured tree is an acacia (called afagag in the Tuareg language), the light-coloured tree is a liana. Both often grow together in a symbiosis - Zakkat - 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

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

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