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Festival In The Desert - Mali - Le Festival au Désert

The Festival in the Desert ( Festival au Désert ) is an annual concert in Essakane , Mali , showcasing traditional Tuareg music as well as music from around the world . The Tuareg band Tinariwen first garnered international attention with their performance at the 2001 Festival.

A French language documentary entitled Le Festival au Désert was filmed at the 2003 festival. Performers include Tartit, Oumou Sangare , Lo'Jo , Tinariwen , Robert Plant with Justin Adams, Blackfire, Django, and Ali Farka Touré . The DVD contains English subtitles, and an audio CD of the concert, Festival in the Desert , was also released.

The celebration manifests what was envisioned in the 1996 "Flame of Peace," in which 3000 guns were publicly burned to signify the beginning of the reconciliation between the nomadic and sedentary communities of the southern Sahara . EFES, a Tamashek association whose aim is to develop the region, hit on the idea of grafting the Festival onto the great traditional gatherings of the Tamashek people on a grand scale. For centuries these gatherings have provided an invaluable opportunity for the nomadic Tamasheks to meet and celebrate with various forms of Tamashek song, dance, poetry, ritual sword fighting, games, and other ancient cultural traditions. EFES opened the event to the entire desert region, to the whole of Mali, and eventually to the world.

Essakane Festival

is an oasis town in the northern part of Mali . It is located in the Tombouctou Region , several hours' drive (approximately 65 kilometers) north of the city of Timbuktu .

Essakane is the site of an annual music festival called Festival au Désert ( Festival in the Desert ), which has been held each January since 2001. The festival showcases the music of the local Tuareg people, as well as musicians from other nearby nations such as Mauritania and Niger .

The Tuareg

Arabic :????? (sometimes spelled Touareg in French, or Twareg in English) are a Berber ethnic group or nation . Tuareg is a name that was applied to them by early explorers and historians (since Leo Africanus ). They call themselves variously Kel Tamasheq, Kel Tamajaq "Speakers of Tamasheq" and Imouhar , Imuhagh , Imazaghan or Imashaghen "the Free people". The origin and meaning of the name Twareg has long been debated with various etymologies advanced, although it would appear that Twar?g is derived from the " broken plural " of Targi , an older Arabic name whose former meaning was "inhabitant of Targa " (the Tuareg name of the Libyan region commonly known as Fezzan . Targa in Berber means "(drainage) channel").

The Tuareg today are found mostly in West Africa , but, like many in Northern Africa, were once nomads throughout the Sahara . They have a little-used but ancient script known as the tifina;

Mali Tuareg History

Descended from Berbers in the region that is now Libya , the Tuareg are descendants of ancient Saharan peoples described by Herodotus , who mentions the ancient Libyan people, the Garamantes . Archaeological testimony is the ruins of Germa . Later, they expanded southward, into the Sahel .

For over two millennia, the Tuareg operated the trans-Saharan caravan trade connecting the great cities on the southern edge of the Sahara via five desert trade routes to the northern ( Mediterranean ) coast of Africa.

The Tuareg adopted camel nomadism along with its distinctive form of social organization from camel-herding Arabs about two thousand years ago, when the camel was introduced to the Sahara from Saudi Arabia. Like numerous African and other groups in pre-modern times, the Tuareg once took captives, either for trade or for domestic purposes; those who were not sold became assimilated into the Tuareg community. Captive servants and herdsmen formed a component of the division of labor in camel nomadism.

In the early nineteenth century , the Tuareg resisted the French invasion of their Central Saharan homelands for the purpose of colonization. Tuareg broadswords were no match for the more advanced weapons of French squadrons, and after numerous massacres, the Tuareg were subdued and required to sign treaties in Mali 1905 and Niger 1917 . In southern Algeria , the French met some of the strongest resistance from the Ahaggar Tuareg. Their Amenokal , traditional chief Moussa ag Amastan , fought numerous battles in defense of the region. Finally, Tuareg territories were taken under French governance and their confederations were largely dismantled and reorganized.

Before French colonization, the Tuareg were organized into loose confederations, each consisting of a dozen or so tribes. Each of the main groups had a traditional leader called Amenokal along with an assembly of tribal chiefs ( imaran , singular amar ). The groups were the Kel Ahaggar , Kel Ajjer , Kel Ayr , Adrar n Fughas , Iw?ll?m?dan and Kel Gres .

Following the independence of African countries in 1960s, Tuareg territory was artificially divided into modern nations: Niger , Mali , Algeria , Libya , and Burkina Faso .

Long-standing competition for resources in the Sahel has impacted Tuareg conflicts with neighboring African groups, especially after political disruption and economic constraints following French colonization, tight restrictions placed on nomadization, and desertification exacerbated by global warming and the increased firewood needs of growing cities. Today, some Tuareg are experimenting with farming; some have been forced to abandon herding, and seek jobs in towns and cities.

In Mali , a Tuareg uprising resurfaced in the Adrar N'Fughas mountains in the 1960s , following Mali's independence. In May 1990 , in the aftermath of a clash between government soldiers and Tuareg outside a prison in Tchin-Tabaraden , Niger, Tuaregs in both Mali and Niger claimed autonomy for their traditional homeland: ( Tenere , capital Agadez , in Niger and the Azawad and Kidal regions of Mali). Deadly clashes between Tuareg freedom-fighters and the military of both countries followed, with deaths numbering well into the thousands. Negotiations initiated by France and Algeria led to peace agreements ( January 11 , 1992 in Mali and 1995 in Niger). Both agreements called for decentralization of national power and guaranteed the integration of Tuareg resistance fighters into the countries' respective national armies.

Major fighting between the Tuareg resistance and government security forces ended after the 1995 and 1996 agreements, but in 2004 , sporadic fighting continued in Niger between government forces and groups struggling to obtain Tuareg independence.

Traditional social stratification

Traditionally, Tuareg society is hierarchal, with nobility and vassals. The work of pastoralism was specialized according to social class: imú�a, warrior-aristocrats who organized group defense, livestock raids, and the long-distance caravan trade; ímad , vassal-herdsmen who pastured and tended most of the confederation's livestock; ìnhædæn , blacksmith-clients who fabricated and repaired the saddles, tools, household equipment and other material needs of the community. After the adoption of Islam, a separate class of religious clerics, the marabout , also became integral to Tuareg social structure. Traditionally, the traders had a higher status than all but the nobility among their more settled compatriots to the south. With time, that difference has eroded, corresponding to the economic fortunes of the two groups.

Formerly�like most other Africans�the Tuareg also held èklan ( slaves ). According to the Travel Channel show Bob Geldof in Africa , the descendants of those slaves (known as the Bela ) are still slaves in all but name.

Tuareg territory

The Tuareg people inhabit a large area covering almost all the middle and western Sahara and the north-central Sahel . In Tuareg terms, the Sahara is not one desert but many, so they call it Tinariwen "the Deserts". Among the many deserts in Africa there is the true desert Tenere . Then we can cite numerous deserts more and less arid, flat and mountainous: Adrar , Tagant, Tawat (Touat) Tanezruft, Adghagh n Fughas, Tamasna, Azawagh , Adar, Damargu, Tagama, Manga, Ayr, Tarramit (Termit), Kawar, Jado, Tadmait, Admer, Igharghar, Ahaggar , Tassili N'Ajjer , Tadrart, Idhan, Tanghart, Fezzan , Tibesti. Kalansho, Libyan Desert & etc.

Tuareg confederations, political centers, and leaders

At the turn of the 19th century the Tuareg country was organized into confederations, each ruled by a supreme Chief ( Amenokal ), along with a counsel of senior tribesmen elected to assist the chief.

• Kel Ajjer or Azjar, center Aghat (Ghat).
• Kel Ahaggar , in Ahaggar mountains
• Kel Adagh , or Kel Assuk , Kidal, and Tin Buktu
• Iwillimmidan Kel Ataram , Manaka, and Azawagh region
• Iwillimmidan Kel Denneg , In Tibaraden, Abalagh, Teliya Azawagh .
• Kel Gres , Zinder and Tanut (Tanout).
• Kel Ayr , Asode, Agadez, In Gal, Timia and Ifrwan.

The most famous Tuareg leader was a woman, Tin Hinan , heroine and spiritual leader who founded a legendary kingdom in the Ahaggar mountains. Other confederation leaders followed under the title of Amenokal (Chief); among the famous:

• Karidanna , of the Iwillimmidan
• Waisimudan , of Iwillimidan
• Aljilani Ag Ibrahim , of Iwillimidan
• Busari Ag Akhmad , of Iwillimidan
• Musa Ag Amastan , of Kel Ahaggar
• Ibrahim Ag Abakkada , of Kel Azjar
• Amud , of Kel Azjar
• Makhammad Ag Katami , of Iwillimmidan
• Balkhu , of Kel Ayr
• Wan Agoda , of Kel Faday (Kel Ayr)
• Ahitaghal , of Kel Ahaggar
• Akhanokhan , of Kel Azjar
• Khadakhada , of Iwillimidan
• Alkhurer , of Iwillimidan
• Bazu , Iwillimidan
• Makhammad Wan Ag Alkhurer Iwillimidan
• Abdurrakhman Tagama , of Kel Ayr
• Hammed Almomin Iwillimidan
• Fihrun Ag Amansar , of Iwillimidan
• Atisi Ag Amellal of Kel Ahaggar
• Akhamok Ag Ihemma of Kel Ahaggar
• Bay Ag Akhamok of Kel Ahaggar
• Khamzata Ag Mahkhammad , of Iwillimidan
• Edaber Ag Makhammad the new Amenokal of Kel Ahaggar

Mali Tuareg Culture

The Tuareg are matrilineal , though not matriarchal . Unlike many Muslim societies, women do not traditionally wear the veil , whereas men do. The most famous Tuareg symbol is the Tagelmust , an often blue indigo coloured veil. The men's facial covering originates from the belief that such action wards off evil spirits, but most probably relates to protection against the harsh desert sands as well; in any event, it is a firmly established tradition (as is the wearing of amulets containing verses from the Qur'an ). Men begin wearing a veil when they reach maturity which usually conceals their entire face excluding their eyes and the top of the nose.

Many Tuareg today are either settled agriculturalists or nomadic cattle breeders; though there are also blacksmiths and caravan leaders.

The Tuareg are sometimes called the "Blue People" because the indigo pigment in the cloth of their traditional robes and turbans stained the wearer's skin dark blue. Today, the traditional indigo turban is still preferred for celebrations, and generally Tuaregs wear clothing and turbans in a variety of colors.

Mali Tuareg Language

The Tuareg speak Tamajaq/Tamasheq/Tamahaq , a southern Berber language having several dialects among the different regions. Berber is an Afro-Asiatic language closely related to Pharaohnic Egyptian and Semitic. The language is called Tamasheq by western Tuareg in Mali, Tamahaq among Algerian and Libyan Tuareg, and Tamajaq in the Azawagh and Aïr regions, Niger. The Tamajaq writing system, Tifinagh (also called Shifinagh), descends directly from the original Berber script used by the Numidians in pre-Roman times.

Mali Tuareg Religion

The Tuareg have been predominantly Muslim since the 16th century . They combine Sunni Islam (specifically the Maliki madhhab , popular in North and West Africa) with certain pre-Islamic animistic beliefs, including spirits of nature ( Kel Asuf ) and such syncretic beliefs as divination through means of the Qur'an .

Mali Tuareg Arts

Much Tuareg art is in the form of jewelry, leather and metal saddle decorations called 'Trik', and finely crafted swords. The Inadan community makes traditional handicrafts. Among their products are: Tanaghilt or Zakkat (the 'Agadez Cross' or 'Croix d'Agadez'); the Tuareg Takoba , a nearly one meter long sword, with red leather cover; many beautiful gold and silver-made necklaces called 'Takaza'; and earrings called 'Tizabaten'.

Mali Tuareg Traditional music

Traditional Tuareg music has two major components: the moncord violin Anzad played often during night parties and a small tambour covered with goatskin called Tende , performed during camel races and horse races. and other festivities. Another popular Tuareg musical genre is Takamba , characteristic for its Afro-Berber percussions.

Tinariwen , a Tuareg band that fuses electric guitars and indigenous musical styles, was founded in the 1980s by rebel fighters. They released their first CD in 2000, and toured in Europe and the United States in 2004. The Niger-based band Etran Finatawa combines Tuareg and Wodaabe members, playing a combination of traditional instruments and electric guitars.

Many music groups emerged after the 1980s cultural revival. Among them Tartit, Imaran and known artists are: Abdallah Oumbadougou from Ayr, Baly Othmany of Djanet.

Mali Tuareg Ethnic classification

The Tuareg are classified as a Berber group, and are closely related to both Northwest African Berbers and West Africans , in terms of culture and ethnicity. At least some sources argue that the Tuareg are defined by language and culture, not by ethnicity, and that predominantly Tamasheq speakers qualify as "Tuareg" (and, presumably, by implication, individuals of Tuareg descent but who have assimilated into various countries and do not speak Tamasheq languages). This is probably part of the reason for the widely varying estimates of the number of Tuareg.

Mali

BAMAKO • MOPTI • DJENNE • DOGON COUNTRY • TIMBUKTU • FESTIVAL IN THE DESERT • HOTELS

From the Sahara Desert in the north, to the savannas of the south, Mali offers a wide range of scenery. The best time to visit is the cool and dry season of November through February.

Bamako

The city of Bamako, the visitors' usual starting point, offers an intricate blend of modern and traditional while maintaining an authentic African identity. Bamako is the capital of Mali, and is known as one of the best places in the world for music lovers and performers.

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Mopti

From Bamako, the next stop on your tour of Mali should be Mopti. Mopti owes its prosperity to the Niger River, part of which was reclaimed to accommodate the city. Mali's most important port is located in Mopti, as well as fishing villages and Mopti Grand Mosque.

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Djenne

By road or ferry, continue to ancient Djenne, a large flourishing and prosperous city blessed with some of the most benevolent, friendly and hospitable people in the world. In Djenne, you will find mud brick buildings of 100 years or more, most notably the Great Mosque of Djenne.

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Dogon Country

Continue your experience with a visit to Dogon country. Dogon life is centered around sacred rights and rituals which take place in the hollow cliffs on which the Dogon houses are built. Dogon culture is surrounded in mysticism and intrigue, from an astonishing knowledge of the solar system to the unique structure of Dogon villages.

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Timbuktu

The ancient city of Timbuktu was an important center of Islamic scholarship throughout the 15th and 16th centuries. You may want to take one of the intricately carved and decorated doors home, but smaller (and lighter) examples of the finest Tuareg craftmenship are yours for little more than a song - the craftsmen will throw in the dancing.

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Essakane Festival in the Desert

Mali's Festival in the Desert, a world music and Tuareg culture festival, to be held on
10-12 January 2008, is one-of-a-kind, modeled on traditional gatherings and celebrations of the Tuareg people, the "Blue Men of the Desert."
It features musicians from Mali, Mauritania, Niger and many other countries worldwide.
It is also an opportunity to interact with the Tuareg people, as it is their event, and the festivities will include traditional singing, dancing, swordplay, camel races and artisans' exhibits.

The festival is held in the desert oasis Essakane, 65 kilometers from Timbuktu. Accommodations consist of Tuareg tents and ground mats (NB: there are no hotels ); hot meals are prepared on-site.
Desert temperatures in January are hot during the day (~35 C / 85 F) , but quite cold at night (~5 C / 55 F) � travellers must bring sleeping bags !

This is not a luxury holiday, but a unique cultural experience that requires adapting to local conditions.

Festival tour requirements:

1. a sleeping bag.

2. soft luggage, such as a duffel bag; hard suitcases are not appropriate.

3. summer clothing for days, and a warm outfit for the desert nights

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Mali Hotels

Mali offers a variety of hotels, including the four star Le Grand Hotel in Bamako, which provides access to two pools, on site shopping, a business center, fitness center, and large meeting rooms. Hotel restaurants often provide an exciting mix of French and African cuisine.

About Palace Travel, Mali Tour Specialists

Since 1991, Palace Travel has arranged for a varied clientele, tours and safaris to more than thirty African destinations. We specially craft each travel itinerary to reflect a unique blend of culture, history, and traditional tourism.

Each traveler is provided with an authentic travel experience filled with tours, safaris, cultural encounters and interactions which result in an insiders knowledge of the destination.

Our tours to Mali may be customized to meet the interests of diverse groups including religious, fraternal, academic, cultural, professional, among others.

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