2019 - In the heart of the Sahara

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Niger

The Tuareg live as nomads or sedentary oasis inhabitants in the Aïr Mountains and in the Erg du Ténéré. The Kanuri live in the south and the Tubu live in the east of Niger.

Tree of Ténéré

The Ténéré tree was a lonely acacia tree, considered to be the most isolated tree on Earth, the only one within a 400 km radius. It was an important landmark for caravans crossing the Tenere desert.
In 1973, the tree was knocked down by a Libyan truck driver, probably drunk. The dead tree was transported to the National Museum of Niger in Niamey and replaced by a simple metal sculpture representing a tree.
Niger - Tenere - 1967

Azalai in the sandstorm

Azalaï, a camel caravan led by the Tuaregs, transports various goods crossing the Ténéré desert to exchange them for rock salt or sell them on the Sahel markets. The trip usually takes place between October and November and lasts about forty days.
Niger - Tenere - 1967

Well of the Ténéré tree

At the bottom of this well 36 meters deep, 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

Salt mines

A lunar landscape in the middle of the Sahara: the salt mines of Tegguidda-n-Tessoum on the Hoggar road leading from the Algerian border to Agadéz in Niger. The saline water is led from the spring to salt-soaked sand pools. The sun does the rest of the work. As soon as the water has evaporated, the women collect the salt in large calabashes.
Niger -Tegguida-n-Tessoum - 1968

Malem

The malem is the master of the fire, the blacksmith. These artisans produce silver jewelery, weapons or camel harnesses. Here, the malem finishes a woman's bracelet.
Niger - Agadés - 1968

Fashion and tradition

Young woman of the Kanouri ethnic group in the Kaouar region, Tenere (Niger). Look at the traditional silver ring with the motif of a snake biting its tail. The hair braids are redone once a month. To make them shine, fat or oil is added. And always, as here on her forehead, you will find the inevitable black flies that spoil everyday life in the Sahara.
Niger - Séguédine - 1968

Pantry

Or how to store food out of reach of animals.
Niger - Aïr - Toufouchi camp - 2001

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

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Caravan

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

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In the morning light

Caravan in the Temet wadi.
Niger - Aïr - 2003

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