Appearing like a king's staff, the ehel is an important part of the furnishings of a well-appointed Tuareg household. They are carved by blacksmiths of the Enaden guild, who produce luxury items for the elite classes of warriors and religious teachers. This elegant ehel combines triangular shapes and crescent curves, segmented with horizontal 'cut-out' sections. Slashes or striations running at different angles add texture, and also a floral sense. In fact, the overall abstract pattern has an unexpectedly naturalistic feeling, as if it has just sprung from the earth, from the hot dry land of Niger for the delight of those who have the aesthetic refinement to appreciate such beauty. By leaning on his ehel a person comes into 'contact' with the artist and the great tradition of the guild. Thus art, as a functional object, becomes a symbol of a people's cultural and intellectual coherence. Such harmony is beautifully reflected in this ehel; created with pride, love of perfection and considerable talent.