Aqal Soomaali/ Traditional Somali Nomadic Homes

Traditional Somali homes, known as Aqal Soomaali, are emblematic of the nomadic heritage of the Somali people. Often build by the Somali nomadic women, these portable, dome-shaped structures are ingeniously designed for mobility, allowing families to dismantle and reassemble them as they migrate in search of pasture and water.

Key Features of Aqal Soomaali:

• Structure: The framework is constructed from flexible wooden branches, typically sourced from local trees, forming a resilient dome shape.
• Covering: The exterior is enveloped with hand-woven mats called kabad, crafted from natural materials like grass or reeds. These mats provide insulation against the harsh sun and offer protection from wind and rain. Semi nomadic families also incorporate mud to the exterior of the home for better insulation
• Mobility: Designed for ease of assembly and disassembly, the aqal can be efficiently packed onto camels, facilitating seamless relocation—a vital feature for nomadic lifestyles.