Seasons Bleatings - Black Tents of Afghanistan - October 07
Black Tents of
Afghanistan
"Years ago, in the sands of Arabia, there was no more welcome
sight to the weary traveler than a black tent on the horizon. Whether it
belonged to a friend, a stranger, or even an enemy, a traveler knew that he
could claim from its Bedouin owner three days of hospitality. That was the way
of the desert and its fame spread all over the world. The black tent became, for
many, a symbol of Arab hospitality."
Below are some pictures of
the black tent that was set up at Estes Park Wool Market 2007 along with bits of
information gleaned from various websites (most from the Saudi Embassy
site)
"Indigenous goats are usually black or brown, hence the color of the
undyed wool."
Pillows and felted wool rugs offer an
exotic resting spot during the heat of the day
I sipped on cool lemonade and enjoyed
the cool cross breezes under the tent
this closeup shows the simple weave
of the tent and the simple wood structure that holds it up.
"While the younger female members of the tribe are off watching over
the animals, the older women spin the coarse, dark hair of the goat into fabric
for tents on ground looms made from two strong pieces of wood staked into the
dirt. There the weaver sits, her hands passing quickly among the loom and the
wool, creating long strips from the black hair ...
When weaving, loose stitches are employed to ensure good ventilation. The
threads swell from rainwater, and tighten, making the tent waterproof during
passing storms. The strips are later sewn together to form a roof and walls,
which are resistant to wind and provide insulation from the sun and protection
against the night cold. The roof is supported by wooden poles, the number of
which illustrate the power and wealth of the owner."
even the ropes that stake it to the
grounds are made from goat hair. An ornately carved Afghani spinning wheel
(incomplete) sits on the ground at the right in the photo.
closeup of two felted
rugs...
"The ground inside the tent is covered with rugs and the owner displays
his sword or rifle from the tent pole in the men's section. Furnishings are
sparse, as the life of a nomad requires. Blankets, carpets and cooking utensils
comprise the bulk of each family's possessions. "
a
camel harness with black goat hair tassels
"One sign of a family's wealth is ownership of camels. Traditionally,
Bedouins who owned and raised camels thought of themselves as the aristocrats of
the desert. Camels were used as animals of war, transport and a source of food
in the form of milk and meat. Social hierarchy among the Bedouins is evident in
that the men are the ones responsible for the care of the camels. The women herd
only the sheep and goats."
For more information about black
tents and the nomadic lifestyle see
HOME
BLACK TENTS
MEET THE BOYS
GOATS
SHEEP
RABBITS
SEEDING THE NEW PASTURE
