ABSTRACT
The tall transverse ridge that gives the roof a well defined saddle shape, the technically superior construction, stronger side anchorage and richer decoration, differentiate the North African black tent from its Arabian counterpart. Curved poles are found across North Africa from Morocco to Egypt. The distinctive keel-shape of the black tent in North Africa is usually explained in terms of the fusion of the West Asian or Arabian form with either a native or introduced dwelling type. The tents of Southwest Morocco are quite different from those used by the Berber hill nomads of Central Morocco, and by the Arabs in the north. Some traits are peculiar to the Algerian tent, thus the front and rear hanging awnings are secured with loops and small toggles to the main roof panel by means of trim, and the tents of each tribe are identified by the distinctive colour of their awnings.
