The ultimate guide to Tuareg Mats.
Each Tuareg mat is custom-sourced in collaboration with expert interior designers and trusted suppliers, ensuring a unique piece for your space. Visit our store or submit an enquiry with project details to receive tailored options and a precise quote. Shipping is available via air, road, or ocean container. As traditional weaving techniques fade, these mats have become rare, valuable collector’s items with limited availability globally.
Bespoke Tuareg Mats
Our collection of Tuareg Mats is sourced directly from the vast Sahara Desert and the heart of Mauritania. Handwoven by the skilled Tuareg tribes, each mat is crafted from palm and leather, with intricate woven leather strands made from goat and camel. These strands bear ancient symbols of the Tuareg people, reflecting the deep heritage and cultural significance behind each piece. For the minimalist nomads of the desert, these mats were among their most treasured possessions. Designed to withstand some of the harshest climates on earth, Tuareg mats are incredibly durable, each one unique and special. By bringing these exceptional works of craftsmanship into your home, you invite a piece of history, heritage, and sustainable design that will timelessly enrich your space.
Tuareg Mats: Handwoven Heritage from the Sahara
Our collection of Tuareg Mats, in partnership with the “Noble Souls collection” by Timothy Oulton.
The origins of Tuareg Mats.
The Tamashek, or Tuareg are made up of tribes of semi-nomadic people, who live in remote areas of Mauritania, Niger, Algeria, and Northern Mali (including the famous Timbuktu). Made up of various sub-tribes, crossing a number of country lines, their territory remains under dispute, placing allegiance to blood and tribe over nation or ideology.
Known as the masters of the Sahara, the Tuaregs dominated the Salt, Gold, and Ivory trade routes between North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East in the 14th century, due to their extensive knowledge of the Sahara.
In Tuareg tradition, they believe themselves to be descendants of legendary Queen Tin Hinan (from the 4th Century) and who united the tribes and led the expansion of the Tuareg people, south of Algeria. Their rich culture has managed to survive the test of time and political hardship, which is shown through their breathtaking arts, poetry, music, and cultural traditions. The quintessential warriors of the desert, they continue to fight and protect their tribes and regions to this day.
Their society is matrilineal, descendants and possessions are traced through the female line. Tuaregs place immense societal power in the hands of women, as maintain ownership of livestock, tents, and mats that form the tribe’s communal space. They even keep those possessions after divorce (including the children!). Divorce comes with neither stigma nor shame to the Tuareg people.
Women are at the head of the most important tasks of Tuareg life including weaving, farming, and caretaking of livestock. Unlike Arab cultures, the men (not the women) wear veils to cover their faces. Famously know as the blue men of the desert, the blue and indigo dye from the traditional clothing they wear to protect themselves from the harsh desert sun wears off on their skin.
Tuareg mat request form
To enquire about a Tuareg Mat or to ask any questions, simply fill out the form below.
Each piece is meticulously handmade and responsibly sourced from our skilled artisans, ensuring authenticity and craftsmanship in every creation.
Tuareg Mat Examples (SOLD)
