itran
Stars
Also: itri, star pattern, tafukt
Attested Usage
What is documented — academic sources, fieldwork, museum collections
Celestial navigation - the stars that guide travelers through the desert
Source:Casajus, D. (2000). Gens de parole
academic · high confidence
For Tuareg, stars are practical guides and spiritual symbols
Points of light that pierce darkness - hope and guidance
Source:Becker, C. (2006). Amazigh Arts in Morocco
academic · high confidence
Oral Interpretations
What people say it means — often multiple, sometimes contradictory
“The stars are the eyes of ancestors watching us”
— Elder discussing night sky, Tamanrasset (2017)
“Each star in the carpet is a blessing for the house”
— Weaver explaining carpet patterns, Ouarzazate (2019)
Language Connections
Historical Context
Attested since:ancient
Star symbolism deeply embedded in Saharan navigation culture
Sources
- Casajus 2000
- Becker 2006
Last updated: 2024-06-01