Tuareg women teach their children to write Tifinar, a script that has been in the central Sahara longer than Arabic. A Tifinar message might tell about the condition of a well; sometimes, like graffiti, it proclaims true love. However, people use Tifinar less and less today.

Women are among the Tuareg's most famous poets and songwriters. Their favorite topics include the Tuareg's glorious history, life on the desert and the perils of love. Although men make up caravan songs as they travel, it is generally the poems and songs that women write that are passed down, from generation to generation. Songs are sung a cappella, or are accompanied with stringed instruments and drums.

See and hear a Tuareg story about how the giraffe was created.

717 K Quicktime Audio file

Fibula Brass Tuareg peoples Gao, Mali 1970's
Neck Wallet Leather, yarn, paper trim Tuareg peoples Niger
Women's Stringed Instrument Gourd, iguana skin, wood, horsetail, resin Tuareg peoples Niger
Earrings Silver Tuareg peoples Tahoua, Niger 1995
Women's Necklace Shell, leather Tuareg peoples Bamako, Mali 1994
Jewelry Box with Lid Leather Tuareg peoples Niamey, Niger 1995