| The Tuareg, unlike other African peoples, do not have a tradition of creating figurative art. Because of their nomadic heritage, the Tuareg channel their artistic expressions into the embellishment of such utilitarian items as household furnishings and into the creation of such prestige pieces as swords and daggers and more private objects, including jewelry.
These artistic expressions are the work of the inadan, smiths who are found in all Turaeg groups. The male smiths (inadan) carve wooden implements, including bowls and forge metal, and the female smiths (tinaden) work leather and weave. Their craft specialty is hereditary, and their training takes place under the supervision of older male or female relatives. |
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