ABSTRACT
The black tent is hardly a primitive form, but rather the most recent product in an evolutionary series. The geographical distribution of the black tent is nearly continuous, extending from Mauritania in Northwestern Africa to Afghanistan, with an isolated Tibetan tent group. A great similarity exists between the various kinds of black tent, surprising for a type spread over such a vast area. The unity of the black tent over such a vast domain indicates that the black tent evolved from a common prototype, the fine differentiation of the regional subtypes points to a fairly lengthy evolution. An examination of the character and functions of the black tent gives a better idea of the impact of physical factors on its geographical distribution. The remarkable stability of the black tent in strong winds is achieved by sensible siting, an efficient aerodynamic profile, long slanting anchor ropes, and the variable geometry of the tent form itself.
