Tea Ceremony

The Saharawi tea ceremony is one of the most important rituals of Saharawi culture, their hospitality and spirituality. The tea brewing is a central activity in gatherings, lead by both hosts and guests alike. Saharawis usually drink three little cups of strong and very sweet peppermint tea at every one ceremony.

A Saharawi saying describes the tea as an expression of their spirituality, that the first cup tastes as bitter as life, the second as sweet as love and the third as soft as death.

History of the Ritual

In the 18th century, Western Sahara was understood as a haven for trade, as a gateway to the Great Sahara and North Africa. It is through trades with the British, that tea was introduced to the Saharawis. The beverage soon became popular among the indigenous people of Western Sahara and the ceremony itself was adapted to the long journeys through the desert on camel backs. As tea or sugar cannot grow in the region [link to flora & fauna] and the Saharawis needed to trade for these luxuries. It is said, that tea was so precious that the Saharawis were reluctant to offer their guests tea. However, reminded of their infamous generosity, the Saharawi tea ceremony soon became obligatory and a central aspect of their hospitality.

A tea ceremony requires a teapot made of Tasmint (type of metal), called Abarad or Abrig; a tray, Tabla, made of red or yellow bronze; bowls for sugar and tea, named Kuntya and A’msar; and a pump, Rabuz, to keep the fire alive.

Care for a Cuppa?

What do you need to have an authentic Saharawi tea ceremony:

• four little tea glasses (available from our shop)
• a little tea pot (available from our shop)
• a hot plate or charcoal
• loose tea, green tea and nah-nah (mint)
• sugar

Tea is poured into cups from a high position to create a light foam on top of the light brown liquid. This is repeated several times.
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