https://www.tabelotfriends.org/home daily 1.0 2023-09-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/7b2b920d-df9d-41f2-a110-d07f72b04f49/IMG-20210521-WA0008.jpg Home - our work We look for ways to help promote financial independence for the Tuareg in the Tabelot community by helping them sell the jewelry they produce. We organize and finance trips for Tuaregs to France, Spain, and Canada as well as private exhibits and craft shows granting Tuaregs an opportunity to sell their handmade products. We also help organize international days in schools, where Tuareg jewelry can be presented and sold by students on behalf of the Tabelot community. We aim to help promote and aid economic empowerment for the Tuareg community while showcasing their beautiful craftsmanship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/cfe0ea1a-d672-471d-95f2-60aa6de3ab2d/IMG-20211127-WA0003.jpg Home - Our Mission Our mission is to provide artisans with economic empowerment to help them become self-sufficient, breaking the poverty cycle. The majority of African countries produce almost no consumer goods, thus creating high dependency on imports. Unfortunately, Niger is no exception, as one of the poorest countries in the world. We hope that by selling their products, Tuareg artisans can promote community involvement and create sustainable income. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/d4c19956-a325-48d5-9b6a-95d318f7ac89/IMG-20211127-WA0004.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/1664374500031-JS86HDP4W1K6R3U5HZR8/IMG-20211127-WA0013.jpg Home https://www.tabelotfriends.org/purchase-jewelry-for-fundraising daily 0.75 2022-11-22 https://www.tabelotfriends.org/who-are-the-touaregs daily 0.75 2022-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/4b4d7fd1-423e-4ef5-9e93-5004713de1aa/Tuareg_area.png Who Are The Tuaregs? - Tuaregs, the blue men of the desert The term “Tuareg” joins together the people of North Sahara, who are currently living in 5 different countries; Mali, Algeria, Libya, Burkina- Faso and Niger. In the course of their migration, the native people were often absorbed and integrated into the Tuaregs after having adopted their language and culture. What really unites the Tuaregs is above all their common language, with all of its variations (Tamashed, Tamahaq, Tamajaq, Tawellement, Tamagress, etc.). These languages form the link between all of the members of the community, and which belongs to its Berber roots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/faf3d0ee-07e1-4309-a453-1faa7931eeb8/DESERT.jpg Who Are The Tuaregs? - Eight tribes divide the people of Kel Tamasheq. They are: Kel Ajjer (Algeria et Libya) Kel Ahaggar Kel Aïr Kel Gress loullimiden KelDinniq (Niger) loullimiden Kel Ataram Kel Tademekkat Kel Adrar (Mali) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/9702b9f0-c902-47ed-8983-c3efa8608397/Tabelot+Pic.jpg Who Are The Tuaregs? - Tuaregs population is between 1 to 1.5 million individuals, who are spread out amongst 4 inland states, where they occupy an immense territory of 2 million km². 50,000 in Algeria 30,000 in Libya 500, 00 to 600,000 in Mali 700,000 to 750,000 in Niger Also includes the ancient community in the north of Burkina Faso (20,000) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/ff925c14-f3e8-447a-bcdb-f826da3802b1/Tabelot+Pic+0.2.jpg Who Are The Tuaregs? A complex social organization The Tuareg society is organized into chieftanships: confederations group together according to their families. The Tuaregs of Tabelot are mainly the Kel Owey, a confederation unanimously recognised by the Tuaregs as a community of proud, honest and brave men. https://www.tabelotfriends.org/the-community-of-tabelot daily 0.75 2022-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/d1c0b886-8ec4-42d3-b03a-45f99ed45357/DSCF0016.JPG Tabelot Community - The community is located 150 kms east of the city of Agadez, along the south-eastern borders of the Aïr Mountains and the east extends towards the Teneré, a desert zone where the population is numerically low, and is concentrated around the very scarce oases, where the sand dominates this vast terrifying and inhospitable land. The climate of Aïr is particularly difficult, the average temperature ranges from 20 to 50º, and the average rainfall is between 17 and 150mm per year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/bab3604c-303f-45d2-a304-0a9993909353/agriculture.jpg Tabelot Community - Economic activities The natural environment of Aïr offers favourable conditions for the growth of certain activities such farming, agriculture, craftwork and tourism. The care of small ruminants is an area of work which many of the women are dedicated. The craftwork is shared between the men and women, and the men are responsible for the horticulture and the commercial business. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/df67e66e-dbf9-4d49-8691-306cc803ce6f/DSCF0043.JPG Tabelot Community Farming This constitutes the traditional activity of the nomadic population of Aïr. Farming effectively needs movement between the sources of water and pastoral land based on the seasonal variations of these natural resources. Farming is the principal source of resources for these nomadic people, as it gives them access to milk, cheese, meat, leather and a means of exchange with others. The livestock is essentially made up of drought resistant species: goat livestock, camels, donkeys, and ovine and bovine animals. The livestock destroyed by the periods of drought is in the stage of recuperation. However this type of activity is always subject to various setbacks suck as the already mentioned drought, illness, wolf attacks etc. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/50aee5e6-916f-44c9-8688-29ed028a0601/communaute3.png Tabelot Community Caravans Farming and the caravans constitute the economic base of the shepherds. As the goats and sheep are raised to satisfy the meat and milk needs of the family, and the camels are used to transport goods and people. The caravan commerce still contributes towards the local economy providing an exit for the cattle products (camels, sheep) in the community of Tabelot, the caravans continue along their triangular route from Aïr to Bilma the south of the country and even including Nigeria. When leaving Aïr, the Tuaregs carry dry tomatoes, spices and condiments, wheat, live animals, smoked meat etc. They use these to exchange for dates and salt in Fachi or Bilma. The salt and the dates are then exchanged for cereal in the south of Niger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/26b8a830-974f-44e5-8f7d-b08309748d79/craftworks+tabelot.jpg Tabelot Community - Craftwork Craftwork occupies an important place among the economic activities of the population of Aïr. Numerous products of quality are often made (silver jewellery, leatherwork, baskets and weaving, woodwork etc.) all by expert artisans. Unfortunately these artisans benefit little from their hard work and creativity, due to a lack of regular and secure market outlets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/0a0118ae-04c9-4a6f-bc19-6832378af90c/agriculture+Tabelot.jpg Tabelot Community - Agriculture The agriculture is the main economic activity of Tabelot. The agricultural potential of this zone is extremely important for Niger. The production system of Aïr is very particular and specific. The orchards are split into territorial parcels of a maximum of 1 to 2 hectares, and the cultivated area does not always occupy all of the available space. They are often found in areas where the water table is not very deep, and as a result more easily exploited. The wells occupy a strategic location in the orchards, as they are those which “give life to the orchard”. In short the cereals are the principal products of the orchards. They are mainly dedicated to the consumption of the family, they can also serve as a form of currency in exchange for other foods or work. The system of agricultural exploitation has experienced a radical change during the last 20 years, as marketable goods have been introduced (onions, potatoes garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and even coriander). The economy of the region has now changed from a self sufficient system to that of a market system. Nowadays in the Tabelot zone more than in any other part of Aïr, agriculture makes up the principal economic activity. https://www.tabelotfriends.org/the-mayor-of-tabelot daily 0.75 2022-03-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/4197fc22-5bd1-4019-b5f6-18cc337e227d/Mayor+de+tabelot.jpg Leadership in Tabelot - The municipal council of Tabelot came into existence on the 26th September 2004. The municipal council is composed of elected members that is to say: 11 municipal councillors, and members of consultative character with a voice but without a vote, who are made up of the tribe chiefs. The 11 councillors chose Mr Adam Efangal as Mayor of the community of Tabelot by unanimous vote. Adam Efangal Mayor of Tabelot was born in 1966 in Tabelot, from 1973 to 1980 he was a student in the Tabelot primary school, he obtained a first grade leaving certificate and carried on to the Agadez college of general education, like the majority of Tabelot students. He left school 2 years later to begin working in the orchards and later on the caravans. From 1995 to 1998 he participated in the peace negotiations between the Tuareg rebels and the government of Niger. In 1999 he created along with others who were invested in the development of Aïr, the Aïr co-operative agricultural union, then in 2001 he put into place, along with other producers within the zone, the tabelot co-operative agricultural union. https://www.tabelotfriends.org/how-does-it-work daily 0.75 2022-12-07 https://www.tabelotfriends.org/the-global-citizen daily 0.75 2022-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/733fbfb8-46d3-47f1-9ca6-612fa8e8dc39/IMG_20170707_212556.jpg Coming Together Ibrahim and Stanislas https://www.tabelotfriends.org/the-handcrafting daily 0.75 2022-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/7ef541c4-c538-4c0f-9c1b-45493107094f/IMG_2162.jpg Tradition Through Handcrafting Behind the Scenes Long-standing traditions and cultural meanings are a part of the creation of each Tuareg jewelry piece. With every handmade and uniquely crafted piece, history is preserved, whether it be through the blacksmiths or in the community. Artisans who mastered the difficult skill of working with fire are able to generate beautiful pieces unique to the Tuareg community. Metals worked in an artisanal way have exceptional mechanical and physical properties. Working with silver requires mastery, listening skills, and extreme patience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/01d056de-dd63-415d-802e-906ef500646b/craftworks+tabelot.jpg Tradition Through Handcrafting In Tuareg societies, people who work with metal represent a separate group, called “inadans.” They are able to escape the social hierarchy, and also play the role of steward or ambassador for their community. These blacksmiths work with rudimentary tools to melt, cut, and engrave metal. Then, they polish and refine their pieces with great attention to detail in the choice of patterns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/033f8333-39a2-4e78-8c5f-c7f1ce95547a/IMG_2177.jpg Tradition Through Handcrafting - With a closer look and an eye for appreciation, Tuareg jewlery is a real wonder of the world. The Tuareg silver jewerly has been in place since ancient times- a unique aspect to consider. Dating back to ancient times, Tuareg women have had a superstitious fear of gold preventing them from wearing it. Thus, s ilver is the main base metal for Tuareg jewelry. It is cut with other metals because silver, like gold, is too soft and malleable to be used pure. It is therefore Silver 925/1000 (that contains 92,5% pure silver). Silver jewelry holds a special place in each Tuareg family’s heritage. Each piece of jewelry is a message that bears an often-forgotten symbol. Each necklace worn by a Tuareg woman evokes diverse historical anecdotes of a people, region, and town. These can include various symbols of man, woman, pregnancy, and birth. Traditionally, the southern cross, or the cross of Agadez or Iferwan, was worn exclusively by men and was passed from father to son during puberty. The symbol alluded to the young man's virility and his traditional nomadism. The cross represents the camel's saddle pommel or the four cardinal directions. When a father gives the cross to his son, he uses the eternal phrase, “My son, I give you the four directions of the world, to come back among us to die”. The production of jewelry not only has symbolic value, but also holds economic importance. It cam serve as a bargaining chip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/b65cf8a8-cfe8-4bdb-bc06-b357295c7a4d/IMG_0869+-+Copie.jpg Tradition Through Handcrafting - Jewellery made by artisans (craftsmen) from Niger. All the jewellery is made using the age-old tradition started by jewellery craftsmen from Niger. All components must be produced in the same way as traditionally used by jewellery craftsmen in Niger. The metal used is 925/1000 silver. It is not mixed with any other metal except for the minimum amount necessary to work the silver Each handmade piece comes with a certificate of authentication. https://www.tabelotfriends.org/symbolic-of-tuareg-jewelery daily 0.75 2022-09-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/0a2e4ed4-b30f-4368-8c93-54f38fa4b04a/Mayor+de+tabelot.jpg Symbolic Jewels - Protected and Honored For the Tuareg, metal is assoicated with a symbolic charge of protection. The jewerly also serves a protective function. The triangle is considered a prophylactic sign and is often found in Tuareg adornments. Triangular pendants hanging from the bottom of the pendant bear the name “tishatshatin”, which protects from the evil eye. The spellings carved have meanings. For example, the zigzags, which are found numerous on all parts of the jewellery, often evoke paths, movements, a fence or the flow of blood, links or separations on a territory. . The central orifice, which is only found on some jewellery, represents the woman or a tent which is known to be the property of the woman. https://www.tabelotfriends.org/our-jewels daily 0.75 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/f99349c5-2e4a-4fae-ae6d-1e9b85de6acc/WhatsApp+Image+2022-06-24+at+6.29.49+PM+%281%29.jpeg Our Jewels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/907da21d-67ac-42df-8d8b-69cd52289f3b/boucles.jpg Our Jewels Tuareg Pilon Earring $25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/63faf179-7dde-49a4-b49c-8fd3ba01b2ec/camel.jpg Our Jewels Camel Foot Bracelet $45 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/1652815124471-0IDJ0U3948N0NRIFXER1/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2022-05-17%2Bat%2B6.00.33%2BPM%2B%25281%2529.jpg Our Jewels Cara https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/65c9968c-1c4b-45f8-bef8-cdb64f03305a/WhatsApp+Image+2022-05-17+at+6.00.34+PM.jpeg Our Jewels Tuareg Crossing Caravanes Ring $20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/1656506457837-LYC4K3B7QV6SX1PNJWL2/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2022-05-17%2Bat%2B6.00.15%2BPM.jpg Our Jewels Tuareg Pilon Earring $25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/9174bf8d-7870-4918-bcb5-5a1f71582f38/WhatsApp+Image+2022-06-24+at+6.29.50+PM+%281%29.jpeg Our Jewels Camel Foot Bracelet $45 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/1628857c-50b2-42ad-ba6f-86143f11cdc7/WhatsApp+Image+2022-06-24+at+6.29.49+PM+%282%29.jpeg Our Jewels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/1652814853670-D2IY7C0BPELE67FF474L/WhatsApp%2BImage%2B2022-05-17%2Bat%2B6.00.32%2BPM.jpg Our Jewels Tatram Earring $25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/b6782a19-54cd-49d1-ba68-444c4bb7b99e/WhatsApp+Image+2022-05-17+at+6.00.20+PM.jpeg Our Jewels Tuareg Crossing Caravanes Ring $20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/c8820b7e-b8f7-42b2-8046-dd143921616d/WhatsApp+Image+2022-06-24+at+6.29.51+PM+%281%29.jpeg Our Jewels Camel Foot Bracelet $45 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/8212c41c-a183-42c3-b165-f03859128409/WhatsApp+Image+2022-06-24+at+6.29.50+PM+%282%29.jpeg Our Jewels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/29aa382b-a126-406a-a54e-44b47fe2b3af/WhatsApp+Image+2022-06-24+at+6.29.47+PM.jpeg Our Jewels Tuareg Ashel Ring $30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/1d676d30-3dd3-4ccf-ab9c-4068430d8a47/WhatsApp+Image+2022-06-24+at+6.29.51+PM.jpeg Our Jewels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/611f738499c19c4d093452cd/f28827d5-5edc-4093-a7b1-e8bf7795f299/boucle.png Our Jewels Tratam Earring $25 https://www.tabelotfriends.org/contact-us daily 0.75 2022-11-23 https://www.tabelotfriends.org/earrings-by-tabelot daily 0.75 2022-07-20 https://www.tabelotfriends.org/earrings-by-tabelot/10-x-pack-of-earrings monthly 0.5 2022-11-22