The Touareg people inhabit the Western Sahara countries of Libya, Algeria, Niger and Mali. In Tuareg society women do not traditionally wear the veil, whereas men do. The most famous Tuareg symbol is the indigo blue-colored veil. Many other colors are worn as well (red, white, purple) The men’s facial covering originates from the belief that such action wards off evil spirits. It may have related instrumentally from the need for protection from the harsh desert sands as well. Taking on the veil is associated with the rite of passage to manhood; men begin wearing a veil when they reach maturity. The veil usually conceals their face, excluding their eyes and the top of the nose.

This is a portrait of a friend named Agdal.

Watercolor
300 pound Arches paper