Oualata, Ancient trading settlement in Hodh Ech Chargui Region, Mauritania.
Oualata is a settlement in the Saharan region, characterized by mud-brick buildings with white geometric designs painted across terracotta-colored walls. The houses sit close together, and the repetition of these patterns creates a unified visual appearance throughout the community.
The settlement emerged as a key hub on routes that moved gold, salt, and other goods across the Sahara. During the medieval period, it also served as a center for scholarship, where manuscripts and learning were collected and preserved.
The painted geometric patterns on house walls tell stories of local identity and are passed down through families as an art form. Residents take pride in maintaining these designs, which serve as a visual language unique to their community.
Plan visits between November and March when temperatures are most pleasant and weather allows comfortable exploration. Arrange transportation from major cities beforehand, as services in the region are limited.
The white patterns on walls follow mathematical proportions developed locally and differ from one region to another. Each family maintains slight variations of these designs, making the settlement a living record of geometric art forms.
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