Maghreb Population Research Articles

The chromosomes ofLemniscomys barbarus(Rodentia, Muridae)

The somatic and meiotic chromosomes of Lemniscomys barbarus, belonging to an isolated Maghreb population, were studied. The karyotype was analysed using and G banding techniques and silver-staining for the nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) and was found to consist of 54 chromosomes. The constitutive heterochromatin was widely distributed throughout the centromeric regions of numerous autosomes and of the X heterochromoso mes, while two pairs of chromosomes displayed NOR bands. Karyotypic differences ascribable to pericentric inversions emerged from a comparison with Matthey's (1954) observations for the same species.

The Tuareg veil

A noteworthy characteristic of all Tuareg groups is the veiling (anagad) of the men. A relative measure of the importance of the veil among the Tuareg, can be ascertained from the abundant terminology relating to its numerous features and attributes. Although there are differences in the style of the veil between various tribes and classes,2 the veil is a dominant symbol of Tuareg entity. This is reflected in the Tuareg's designation of themselves as Kel Tagelmoust (people of the veil), and the Arabic counterpart of El Molathemine or Ahl el Litham (wearers of the veil). However, the term litham (Arabic veil), although commonly used by Oriental Arabs, is unknown among Tuareg groups, and little used among the Maghreb populations as a whole, although the term echchach (Arabic chach) is now used by all Tuareg and indicates the increasing Arabic influence.3 The veiling of Tuareg men is an ancient custom. Reference to the veil is found in the writings of several Arabic authors such as El Beri (1028-94) and Ibn Batutah, whose journeys in the fourteenth century certainly took him to Tuareg country. But in spite of numerous hypotheses, several of which have a romantic appeal, the origin of the veil remains obscure and conjectural. Notwithstanding the considerable attention given to the veil, much of the interest has been directed towards hypotheses of origin, with the result that the meaning of the veil as a dominant symbol and its functional interpretation have received unsatisfactory attention, with the significant exception of Robert Murphy's analysis of social interaction among the (Southern) Tuareg.4 This paper aims to clarify some of these issues with reference to the Kel Ahaggar, and in so doing adds support to Murphy's thesis, but gives neither a detailed description of the veil, the varieties in quality and types of material, dimensions, manner of wearing, etc., nor a detailed account of the relevant Tamahaq and Arabic terminology, as reference may be made particularly to A. Bourgeot's study of these aspects.5 However, a summary description of the veil is necessary. The traditional veil (tagelmoust or alechcho) is a piece of Sudanese indigo-dyed cotton, being 1.50 m.-4.0 m. long and 0.25 m.-0.50 m. wide and made of individual strips of cotton sewn together.6 The cloth is wrapped around the head to form a low turban (amaoual-oua-n-afella); one fold is brought across the face to form the veil (amaoual-oua-n-aris), so that the top of the veil usually rests on the bridge of the nose, and the bottom (agedellehouf) falls across the face to the upper part of the chest. The turban covers the forehead so that when the veil is at its highest there is only a narrow slit around the eyes. At its lowest the veil may fall