#1

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

#2

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

#3

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.

#4

Targuia at the fountain of Tezirzek

Between the high plateau of the Aïr Mountains and the Ténéré, the Tezirkek fountain attracts nomads and their animals. Unlike the men, the women do not wear a headscarf.
Niger / between Aïr and Ténéré / 2003

#5

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.

#6

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

#7

Smiling woman

The smile of this woman at the well of Tezirzek shows confidence in her freedom and the serenity that a hard but happy life offers.
Niger / Ténéré / 2003

#8

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.

#9

Targuia at the Well

The Tuareg abide by a millennia-old matriarchy of female succession. The women are equal to men, have the final say in the education of their children and, until this day, have refused to wear the Islamic veil.

#10

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

2004 - Touareg

Touaregs, the blue shadows