Kel Ferwan
 Group of Kel Ferwan people. | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| ~300,000[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Aïr Mountains (Niger) | |
| Languages | |
| Tamasheq | |
| Religion | |
| Sunni Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
The Kel Ferwan are a Tuareg nomadic clan, who have historically been a subgroup of the Kel Ayr confederation. In the 20th century, they have mostly been based in the Aïr Mountains of north central Niger.[2]
Social Structure
[edit]Tuareg society is traditionally structured around clans, known as "tawshit" (singular form). These clans are further divided into family groups forming tribes, each led by a chief called the "amghar." Several tawshit may unite under a single "Amenokal," forming a larger Kel confederation. Similar to other Tuareg groups,[3] Kel Ferwan self-identification is centered on their specific Kel affiliation, meaning "those of" followed by a distinguishing term. In the case of the Kel Ferwan, it translates to "those of Iferwan."
History and Origins
[edit]The exact origins of the Kel Ferwan remain unclear. Some theories suggest their arrival in the Aïr region[4] occurred around the 15th or 16th century, possibly alongside or following the Kel Owey. Potential points of origin include Libya or Ghât within the Ajjer Mountains.[5] Their social composition reflects this diverse background, with the Irawatan and Iberdiyanan forming a core group from which other tribes emerged. The Kel Ferwan also claim a close relationship with the Ahaggar, particularly the Kel Rhel.
Sources (Arabic : اشاره isharat, references) on the Kel Ferwan suggest a complex relationship with the Kel Fadey group. Traditionally, the Kel Fadey,[6] including their noble tribe, are said to have paid tribute to the Kel Ferwan's Tambari (chieftain). This tributary relationship reportedly ended after a conflict over a dowry payment.[7]
Language
[edit]The Kel Ferwan speak a variety of the Tamasheq language, also known as Tamajaq or Tamahaq depending on the region. These terms all refer to the languages spoken by the Tuareg people.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ Casajus, Dominique (1987), "Introduction", La tente dans la solitude : La société et les morts chez les Touaregs Kel Ferwan, Atelier d’anthropologie sociale (in French), Paris: Éditions de la Maison des sciences de l’homme, pp. 23–38, ISBN 978-2-7351-1933-2, retrieved 22 May 2024
- ^ Hama, Boubou (1 January 1967). Recherches sur l'histoire des Touareg sahariens et soudanais (in French). FeniXX. ISBN 978-2-402-54332-3.
- ^ Wieviorka, Michel (12 June 2014). Le coup d'Etat militaire 50 ans après (in French). Les Editions de la MSH. ISBN 978-2-7351-1657-7.
- ^ Wieviorka, Michel (12 June 2014). Le coup d'Etat militaire 50 ans après (in French). Les Editions de la MSH. ISBN 978-2-7351-1657-7.
- ^ Casajus, Dominique (1981). "La tente et le campement chez les Touaregs Kel Ferwan". Revue de l'Occident Musulman et de la Méditerranée (in French). 32 (32): 53–70. doi:10.3406/remmm.1981.1919.
- ^ Casajus, D. (1987). "Parole retenue et parole dangereuse chez les Touaregs Kel Ferwan". Journal des africanistes. 57 (1–2): 97–107. doi:10.3406/jafr.1987.2164.
- ^ "La tente touareg des Kel Ferwan au Niger". maison-monde.com. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
- ^ Casajus, Dominique (1987), "Introduction", La tente dans la solitude : La société et les morts chez les Touaregs Kel Ferwan, Atelier d’anthropologie sociale (in French), Paris: Éditions de la Maison des sciences de l’homme, pp. 23–38, ISBN 978-2-7351-1933-2, retrieved 22 May 2024
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