Black tent
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As a black tent ( Arabic الخيمة, DMG al-Ḫaima , pronounced khaima, haima or chaima ) is the name given to the traditional transportable housing of many nomadic peoples .
history
The black tent has probably been used in the Maghreb , Arabia, Persia and Tibet for over 5000 years . The origin of the black tent is believed to be in the desert or semi-desert-like Arabian region, other theories assume a Persian origin ( Baluchistan ). Because of the ephemeral material, archaeological finds can hardly be evaluated; research into this area refers to ancient writings and remarks in religious texts.
Material etc.
These tents, stretched over middle and mostly also side pegs, are woven from black goat hair . In a simple plain weave , the hair, which has been spun into a thick yarn, is woven with such large pores that it would be possible to stick straws through the fabric. Contrary to the assumptions associated with this, however, the tent sheets are largely dense when it rains (which are rare) and when the sun is shining it is cooler inside the tent than outside. The rainproofing results from the swelling of the hair threads and the removal of the water through the fabric. The cooling effect could also be proven under laboratory conditions. It is possible to light a fire in this tent; the open-top construction and the large pores of the fabric allow the smoke to escape unhindered and the fire can be used for warming and for preparing food. The smoke moving through the tarpaulin impregnates the fabric at the same time and thus creates a certain fire resistance. During the day enough light shines through the pores, so - even with the front ceilings lowered - there is sufficient view in the tent. In wind and storm, the construction of the tent offers flexible protection and is safe even in strong winds. All these characteristics make the black tent a dwelling that has offered protection to nomadic peoples in different climatic zones for thousands of years.
literature
- Torvald Faegre: Tents - The architecture of the nomads. Papyrus-Verlag, Hamburg 1980, ISBN 3-922731-00-7 .
Web links
- Das Schwarzzelt : A documentary film about the mystical desert tents of the Yörüknomaden