Scholars disagree about their origins but assume serial intermarriages. As Berber goat herders intermarried with south Saharans, then North African camel riders, the result was gorgeous offspring such as this youngster wearing typical Tuareg attire. Inadan's (jewelry makers) lineage links to Jews who fled Morocco.

Three ancient Tuareg classes, Nobles (camel herders), Vassals (goat herders) and slaves (now outlawed) still exist, but are inverted. Herdless nobles and vassals who resisted education lead meager city lives while educated slave descendants may do better.

Tuaregs are semi-matriarchal. Women have strong say in selecting (or divorcing) mates, family decisions, own family homes and solely inherit property. While rearing their youngsters is their first priority, Tuareg women also have small business enterprises including the manufacture of leather goods.