Object: Tent Pole
Culture: Tuareg
Origin: Southern Morocco or Mauritania
Period: 20th Century
Medium: Hand-carved wood; patinated iron custom stand
Dimensions (including stand): Height 29 in. (73.7 cm); Width 5.9 in. (15 cm); Depth 6 in. (15.2 cm)
Condition: Used. Cracks, wear, and surface losses present throughout, consistent with age and outdoor use.
Description:
A hand-carved wooden tent pole of Tuareg origin. The body is decorated with intricate incised geometric patterns. The pole is mounted on a custom patinated iron stand for display. Cracks, surface wear, and losses are present throughout, consistent with prolonged use in a nomadic context.
Cultural Context:
Among the Tuareg, tent poles serve multiple functions within the nomadic encampment. Longer, more elaborately carved specimens similar to this one are placed at the entrance of tents to mark the threshold of the domestic space. Shorter poles are used to support the tent structure, separate living areas with fabric dividers, or serve as hanging implements for daily items and clothing.
The tent is traditionally the domain of Tuareg women. Upon marriage, a woman brings the tent, its furnishings, and household equipment as part of her dowry. Thus, tent poles and their decoration fall within the feminine sphere of material culture and domestic authority.
Condition Notes:
The pole exhibits extensive age related cracking, wear, and surface losses. These characteristics are consistent with its original function as a utilitarian object exposed to environmental conditions. The custom stand is a later addition for display purposes.
Object: Tent Pole
Culture: Tuareg
Origin: Southern Morocco or Mauritania
Period: 20th Century
Medium: Hand-carved wood; patinated iron custom stand
Dimensions (including stand): Height 29 in. (73.7 cm); Width 5.9 in. (15 cm); Depth 6 in. (15.2 cm)
Condition: Used. Cracks, wear, and surface losses present throughout, consistent with age and outdoor use.
Description:
A hand-carved wooden tent pole of Tuareg origin. The body is decorated with intricate incised geometric patterns. The pole is mounted on a custom patinated iron stand for display. Cracks, surface wear, and losses are present throughout, consistent with prolonged use in a nomadic context.
Cultural Context:
Among the Tuareg, tent poles serve multiple functions within the nomadic encampment. Longer, more elaborately carved specimens similar to this one are placed at the entrance of tents to mark the threshold of the domestic space. Shorter poles are used to support the tent structure, separate living areas with fabric dividers, or serve as hanging implements for daily items and clothing.
The tent is traditionally the domain of Tuareg women. Upon marriage, a woman brings the tent, its furnishings, and household equipment as part of her dowry. Thus, tent poles and their decoration fall within the feminine sphere of material culture and domestic authority.
Condition Notes:
The pole exhibits extensive age related cracking, wear, and surface losses. These characteristics are consistent with its original function as a utilitarian object exposed to environmental conditions. The custom stand is a later addition for display purposes.
