Authentic Large Tuareg Wooden Pulley – Vintage 20 × 18 cm Well Tool

Authentic Old Carved Tuareg Wooden Pulley – Large 20 cm × 18 cm

• Size: 8″ × 7″ (20 cm × 18 cm)
• Condition: Good vintage condition with natural wear, age cracks, and historical character
• Origin: Handmade by Tuareg craftsmen in Niger, West Africa

This rare Tuareg wooden pulley was traditionally mounted above desert wells in Niger to help pull water up using camel - or human-powered hoisting. Beautifully carved from local hardwood, it has been weathered by time and use  enhancing its rustic appeal and functional charm.

📜 Cultural & Historical Context

The Tuareg tribe, a non-Arabic-speaking nomadic people of the Sahara, have a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. Known for their camel caravans and vital role in trans‑Saharan trade, they once carried gold, salt, and goods across vast desert routes until modern transport shifted trade patterns.

Tuareg wooden pulleys like this one were key functional tools: hand‑made, hand‑carved, and often used with leather or metal rope to draw water. Crafted patiently and with skill, each pulley reflects the ingenuity required to thrive in the harsh Saharan environment.

✨ Tuareg Art & Craftsmanship

Alongside wooden tools, the Tuareg are renowned for their exquisite leatherwork, jewelry (especially silver and darkened niellé pieces), swords, and ornate metal saddle adornments. Their arts are deeply symbolic, often displaying geometric patterns and ancestral motifs passed down through generations.

This pulley embodies the intersection of utility and tradition  carved for purpose, worn through history, and infused with authentic Tuareg spirit.

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