Ghadames Museum is a unique museum, displaying
various archaeological and cultural treasures from different periods of
Libyan Berber history; including stone tools
and implements from the stone age, fossilised objects, traditional Tuareg crafts
and industries, and preserved animals, birds and insects, showing examples
of the wild life present in the region.
The museum is divided into several wings, each
of which is separate from the other. The following photo shows the
entrance to the Fourth Wing (left) and the First
Wing (right).
The Fourth Wing (left) & the First Wing (right)
Desert Rose Crystals
The very top line shows food covers made of woven
palm
leaves. These are used to cover clay and wooden bowls used
to serve food, which keep food warm without releasing condensation back onto
the food. The second line shows small baskets or pots (or containers) also made
of straw. The very old versions of these items are made of much finer woven
threads, snd are of better quality than modern
versions. The lower two rows show examples of what is known as
"desert rose" stones, a leaf-like
structure of crystals of the mineral
gypsum.
Traditional industries based on palm leaves and coloured
fabrics. Palm leaves are an important material in the desert. They are used for
various objects and tools, from ropes and strings to baskets and mats.
Traditional Libyan Boots
The Bride During the Henna Night.
This dress is worn by the bride during the henna ceremony,
part of the marriage ceremony and also worn during the "contract night" or "the
pact night": the night the bride and the bridegroom decide to be husband and
wife.
The Tuareg Berber Alphabet and its Arabic Translation,
located in the Third
Wing
of the Museum.
A framed picture showing the Tuareg alphabet, generally
known as Tifinagh, as used in Ghadames. The first column on the right is the Arabic translation of the second column,
the third of the fourth, and so on. The English translation is as follows: starting
from the top right of the second column: A, B, T,
J, χ (KH), D, then from the top of the fourth column from the right: R, Z, ɣ (GH), N,
S, ʃ (SH), then from the sixth column from the right: ðˤ, F, Q, L, M, Zˤ, then from the top of first column on the
left: H, Y, O (or W), G, ʤ (as in judge), K, and tˤ.
Temple Column Bases
A Map of the Old Town of Ghadames
The Evolution of Ghadamsian Doors
Old locks and keys.
Modern Ghadamsi Door
One-stringed Imzad; played only by women.
Camel Milking Mugs
Weaving Stand (Loom). The above sign says: "goat hair rope".
