Tamekchit

   Tuareg institution. While Tamazlayt tribute provided the Ihaggaren nobility with goat-breeding products, the institution of tamekchit allowed the nobility to claim food from the Kel Ulli and allowed them to obtain anything they needed for their subsistence requirements. Ihaggaren would consequently camp close to their Kel Ulli, who were obliged to provision and feed them. The Kel Ulli, however, received certain compensations, not the least of which was the assurance of protection. Additionally, the Kel Ulli could borrow the Ihaggaren's camels for their own caravan or raiding expeditions, from which they gave a share (also known as aballag) consisting of half the booty remaining after the amenukal had received his share.