Tuareg Wooden Pulley – Medium Sahara Well Pulley (16 × 14 cm)

Tuareg Wooden Pulley – Medium Sahara Water Well Pulley (16 cm × 14 cm)

Hand‑carved by skilled Tuareg artisans in Niger, this Tuareg wooden pulley is a beautiful and functional relic used to draw water from desert wells. Weathered by time, it bears authentic marks of age: minor cracks and wear that add character to its history.

• Size: 6 ¼″ × 5 ½″ (approximately 16 cm × 14 cm) - medium
• Condition: Good vintage condition with natural wear and age‑related cracks
• Provenance: Originating from Niger, used by the Tuareg tribe in Sahara desert well systems

This Tuareg pulley once hung over a well, its carved wooden wheel guiding rope to lift water from deep underground. Each groove and weathered edge reflects its practical use and the artistry of its maker.

About the Tuareg Tribe & Their Craftsmanship

The Tuareg people, a nomadic and semi‑sedentary community spread across Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Nigeria, share a rich cultural heritage, including the iconic Saharan camel caravans that historically powered trans‑Saharan trade. Although many now follow Islam and reside in oasis towns, their distinct identity persists through language, attire, and traditional crafts.

Tuareg wooden pulleys are handcrafted from locally sourced hardwood. Artisans carve each pulley manually, fashioning the wheel, axle hole, and rope channel with precision. Once installed above a well, these pulleys served as vital tools in lifting water from scarce desert aquifers.

Tuareg artistry extends far beyond wooden tools. Their creativity shines in:

• Intricately-patterned leather goods, bags, belts, sandals
• Silver and gemstone jewelry, crosses, necklaces, bracelets
• Decorative swords and metalwork - often adorned for ceremonial use

Each item, from the humble pulley to the ornate jewelry, tells a story of endurance, mobility, and beauty. This medium‑sized TribalGH wooden pulley captures that blend of form and function, offering a piece of Tuareg history and handcrafted elegance.

Explore more authentic Tuareg pieces at TribalGH:

• TribalGH collection of Tuareg Artifacts
• TribalGH Handmade Jewelry