Bare skin burns in the hot desert sun. For protection, the Tuareg wear layers of loose-fitting cotton clothes. The layers of cloth keep sweat close to the body. This makes the sweat evaporate more slowly, conserving moisture and keeping the body cooler.

Men wear loose-fitting shirts and pants under large indigo robes like the one seen in the photograph. Women almost always wear two wrappers, long pieces of cloth worn like skirts around their waists. On top, they often wear two blouses. Over the entire ensemble they wear large indigo head cloths.

Swords and daggers once protected the Tuareg

Before colonial times, Tuareg swords and arm daggers were the most feared weapons of the Sahara. Today they are mainly used for ceremonial fighting.

Men's Bracelets Stone Tuareg peoples Kano, Nigeria 1995
Men's Sandals Leather Tuareg peoples Agades, Mali 1972
Men's Dress Boots Leather Upper Volta, Tuareg Mali 1969
Pipe Brass, copper, silver Tuareg Peoples Mali 1973
Knife and Scabbard Steel blade, copper and brass handle Copper and brass sheath Tuareg peoples Gao, Mali 1970's
Dagger and Arm Sheath Steel blade, copper and brass handle Copper and brass sheath Tombouctou, Mali 1969