Palm wood decorated with typical Tuareg geometric designs on both sides. Cm. 78,4 high x cm 18,7 width (30.87" x 7.36"). The item is solid and in good general condition; some old repairs. We guarantee that this item has been tribally used.

Four "Ehel" posts were placed in a tent to hold a long "Eseber" wall mat, which was placed around the bed to define space and create privacy. Other types of posts are used to erect the tent, support the walls, and to hang bags and clothing.

A woodworker typically carves an ehel tent post from a single piece of very hard wood, creating a symmetrical overall form with intricately carved geometric designs on both sides. The designs indicate tribe, clan, and family affiliation. The detail of the carving indicates that these are prestige pieces used for both decoration and practical purposes.

The Tuareg people inhabit a large area, covering almost all the middle and western Sahara and the north-central Sahel. They are probably descended from the ancient Libyan people of the kingdom of the Garamantes, described by Herodotus. Tuareg are mostly nomads. 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 coast of Africa (Mediterranean).