Le chèche

Terres Touareg

The chèche, emblem of the ‘blue men’s’ identity

In the vast expanses of the Algerian Sahara and among the Tuareg tribes, the chèche is much more than a simple garment; it is the cultural symbol par excellence.
Worn proudly by Tuareg men, it embodies the identity, traditions and history of this nomadic people.

What is the chèche and where does it come from?

The chèche is a long veil, often 4 to 10 metres long, that Tuareg men wrap around their heads and faces. It takes its name from the town of Chach in Uzbekistan. Depending on the Tuareg tribe and region, it is sometimes called Tagelmust or Litham. The expression ‘Kel Tagelmust’, meaning ‘those of the veil’, is frequently used to refer to the Tuareg, making the chèche an inseparable part of the identity of the Tuareg people.

For Tuareg men, the full traditional outfit includes the chèche, a sarouel called an ekerbey, a wide gandoura often called an erraoussei or takakat, sandals and the traditional sword, the takoba. This outfit, emblematic of Tuareg culture, makes the chèche a central element of appearance and social status.

The chèche can be of several colours, although white, indigo blue and black are the most common. The indigo blue chèche, the symbol of Tuareg men, is worn during festivals and in cold weather, as it provides better thermal insulation. Indigo, extracted from the leaves of the indigo tree, often bleeds onto the skin, hence the nickname given to Tuareg men: ‘the blue men’. This colour, a symbol of nobility in the Algerian Sahara, has long been associated with wealth and prestige among the Tuareg tribes.

Uses and customs of the chèche among the Tuareg people

Traditionally, the chèche is rolled up in styles specific to each Tuareg tribe and according to the social status of the man wearing it. The sober styles of the nobles contrast with the more extravagant ornamentation of the lower classes.

Wearing a chèche is an important rite of passage in the lives of Tuareg men. Around the age of 15, the father, depending on his son’s maturity, decides that it is time for him to receive his first chèche. A ceremony, conducted by an imam or a wise man from the Tuareg tribe, marks this passage into adulthood, symbolising the entry into responsibility and adult life.

The chèche is never taken off by Tuareg men, even at the dinner table. Traditionally, they lift it with their left hand to eat with their right. Although this custom is less and less respected among young people, it remains a strong symbol in certain Tuareg tribes of the Algerian Sahara.

As well as its cultural importance, the chèche has practical uses: it protects Tuareg men from the elements of the desert, such as the hot sun and the dry wind. It is also used to conceal emotions: on the head, it shows maturity; on the eyes, it hides an insistent gaze; on the mouth, it preserves wisdom by curbing speech.

The chèche today: a symbol beyond the Tuareg

While the chèche remains deeply rooted in the culture of the Tuareg people, it has now spread beyond the borders of the Algerian Sahara to become a fashion accessory the world over. Worn by women and men alike, the chèche comes in a wide variety of colours and materials, while retaining its essence as a cultural symbol of the Tuareg.

The chèche is much more than just a veil for Tuareg men; it embodies the history, traditions and identity of the Tuareg people in the Algerian Sahara. This indispensable accessory, full of symbolism and meaning, continues to play a central role in the lives of the Tuareg tribes, and has become a much-loved emblem the world over.

The chèche, emblem of the ‘blue men’s’ identity
The chèche, emblem of the ‘blue men’s’ identity
The chèche, emblem of the ‘blue men’s’ identity

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