Traditional Camel hair BEDOUIN Tents

 

Bivouac, Bedouin & nomad tents

All camel hair tents are made to order. Production and delivery time are provided on request. Complete tents provided for containers, including hamar (flat banana shaped roof beam) 2 main hamar poles, small outside poles, natural ropes and rope pegs. Airfreight tents quoted only with hamar and natural ropes.

 

moroccan camel hair tent (bivouac)

Traditional Camel Hair Tent (Bivouac/Bedouin Tent) (SKU# MT05)

+ Traditional Bedouin ergonomic design
+ Handwoven from camel hair or goat hair by the Nomads of the Sahara Desert in panels of 50cm wide
+ Traditional Nomad tents have single middle poles and Hamar support (depending on size)
+ Tent colour is black, quickly fading to dark brown in the sun
+ Can be made with 20cm diameter wooden posts and metal roof frames for large-scale projects, Hotels, Festivals & public use
+ Our architect can provide structural drawings
+ Bivouacs can be quickly erected or dismantled, making them easy to move around

Bedouins are semi-nomadic people who, historically, lived across the Middle East and North Africa, moving their flocks to seasonal grazing locations. These traditional Sahara Nomad Tents (also known as Bedouin or Bivouac Tents) have been used for centuries by various nomadic communities throughout Africa and the Middle East. The structure/design of these tents have evolved over hundreds of years with the ideal ergonomic design for high winds and weather, but with minimal, yet durable materials for the quick assembly and takedown required by the nomadic lifestyle.

traditional nomad tent in the middle of the sahara desert
traditional nomad tent in the middle of the sahara desert
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camel and goat hair tent

The exterior tent fabric is tightly woven by hand on a loom with either camel hair or goat hair and held up by hand-carved wooden posts and “Hamar” support. The weave of the tent tightens in wet weather and expands in hot weather to let the tent breathe. The camel hair wool material has many adaptive thermal properties. i.e. it acts as a heat absorber. Its loose weave lets the heat inside disperse and encourages the heat release through its weave. In addition the natural hair oil (or sebum) blocks the rain and resists water, making them naturally waterproof. Tents can adapt to a variety of environments from the most arid to the coldest ones.

In extreme climates, these tents can be made with a double layer on the roof, so that in summer an air gap can be created between the two layers to reduce heat, while in winter the two layers will create a thick thermal insulation.


Camel Hair Heritage Weaving

Our Tents are woven in the traditional way, using a blend of camel hair and goat hair. 50cm diameter panels are woven on a traditional Sahara loom and the individual panels are then sewn together to create the desired size. Initially, the tent colour is black, but quickly the tents fade to dark brown with sun exposure.

The weaving is usually done by women on a ground loom, creating a three-ply strong and tight textile that is made into camel bags, tents, rugs and pillows. They collect the wool from their herd, clean and brush it before spinning it into wool for sewing and weaving. These tribes rely on their herds for survival. Weaving these textiles is one of the oldest crafts known, with tribes sharing their designs and skills.


Bivouac Nomad Tent Examples:


 

Fill out the form below to discuss your bespoke requirements, include as many details as possible including location and timeline.

 

The Future of Bedouin Tents

The Nomad Pavilion, A Water harvesting sanctuary for Arid Weather

A conceptual project by Dina Haddadin + Rasem Kamal in the Desert of Jordan, Jordan

The Nomad pavilion is inspired by the local Bedouin tent, one of the earliest shelters to protect from harsh conditions.

The vision is to create a new interpretation of the authentic tent, blending with its surrounding yet standing out as a sanctuary for visitors; to become a shaded oasis, a gathering rest spot and a source of fresh drinking water.

The pavilion’s geometry was derived from the Black Iris; the national flower of Jordan, which adapts to the desert’s dry environment, harsh sun and strong wind. Furthermore, referencing the wild cactus, the pavilion is designed using multiple layers that overlap to avoid an overheated interior space.

Similar to the materials used in Bedouin tents, the structure will be covered with a living breathing skin from coarsely woven goat hair.

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