Malian Tuareg People Bag

Malian Tuareg People Bag

Collection: Everyday Connections

Object Type: Bags

Country: Mali
Continent: Africa
Geographic Region: Western Africa
Materials: Leather
width: 7.5 in; height: 9 in; depth: .25 in

Tuareg is a term used to identify numerous groups of nomadic peoples of the Sahara Desert, living in primarily in Mali and Niger, who share a common language and history.

Since they travel much of the year, the Tuareg don't carry many large possessions, instead concentrating the majority of their wealth into small items such as jewelry. On the move with their herds and camels over vast areas of the southern Sahara, they create traditional, functional objects from leather which is their primary material due to its durability, lightness and flexibility. Masters of geometric abstract design, the Tuareg fashion objects ranging from saddlebags to cushions to tent mats that are painted and molded, embroidered, engraved and fringed.

This decorated purse is of the type widely used by the nomadic Tuaregs, as there are no pockets in their desert clothing. Made from leather, its patterning depicts many variations on the triangle. Triangles, often seen in Tuareg designs, can oppose the power of an evil eye, fear of which is common to all people of Berber origin.
Source:
https://www.hamillgallery.com/TUAREG/TuaregLeatherwork/TuaregLeatherwork1.html