The Tuareg inhabit the Saharan regions of North Africa - Niger, Mali, Libya, Algeria and Burkina Faso. Tuareg is an Arabic term meaning abandoned by God. They call themselves Imohag, translated as free men. No one knows the true origin of the Tuareg, where they came from or when they arrived in the Sahara. Reputedly of Berber descent, the language of the Tuareg is Tamachek, with their own script known as Tifinagh, thought to have ancient Libyan roots. Their numbers are unclear, but estimates run between 300,000 and 1 million.
Due to the extreme conditions of the Sahara the Tourag are a nomadic people who move across the desert from Oasis to Oasis. In order to survive they move their herds of sheep, goat and camel from one grass source to another. It is for this reason they live in tents and other simple constructions.
The huts of the Tuareg nomad are easily constructed, and comprised of weaved matting and tradition fabrics on a timber frame. There isn't evidence to suggest that the Tuareg left a significant environmental foot print compared to the people living their now. But I am sure that their herds would have been in competition with the native animals for the grass.
The most striking attribute of the Tuareg is the indigo veil, worn by the men but not the women, giving rise to the popular name the Blue Men of the Sahara, or Men of the Veil. This tradition also has a practical reason as it keeps the sun and sand of their faces.
Tuareg camel caravans played the primary role in trans-Saharan trade until the mid-20th century when European colonial infrastructure - railways and roads - were introduced. Tuareg merchants were responsible for bringing goods from these cities to the north. From there they were distributed throughout the world. Because of the nature of transport and the limited space available in caravans, Tuareg usually traded in luxury items, things which took up little space and on which a large profit could be made.
Tuareg were also responsible for bringing enslaved people north from west Africa to be sold to Europeans and Middle Easterners. Many Tuareg settled into the communities with which they traded, serving as local merchants.
The huts of the Tuareg nomad are easily constructed, and comprised of weaved matting and tradition fabrics on a timber frame. There isn't evidence to suggest that the Tuareg left a significant environmental foot print compared to the people living their now. But I am sure that their herds would have been in competition with the native animals for the grass.
The most striking attribute of the Tuareg is the indigo veil, worn by the men but not the women, giving rise to the popular name the Blue Men of the Sahara, or Men of the Veil. This tradition also has a practical reason as it keeps the sun and sand of their faces.
Tuareg camel caravans played the primary role in trans-Saharan trade until the mid-20th century when European colonial infrastructure - railways and roads - were introduced. Tuareg merchants were responsible for bringing goods from these cities to the north. From there they were distributed throughout the world. Because of the nature of transport and the limited space available in caravans, Tuareg usually traded in luxury items, things which took up little space and on which a large profit could be made.
Tuareg were also responsible for bringing enslaved people north from west Africa to be sold to Europeans and Middle Easterners. Many Tuareg settled into the communities with which they traded, serving as local merchants.
Useful Linkshttp://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Tuareg.aspx
http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/tuareg/tuareg.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahara
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuareg_people