tukuls

Tukuls are traditional dwellings found in various rural communities across parts of Africa and surrounding regions. The term is used to describe a family of similar structures, typically constructed to suit hot, dry climates and seasonal living patterns.

Most tukuls are circular or polygonal and one-room in plan. They are usually built with locally available materials, including sun-dried mud or clay for walls, and a timber or bamboo frame supporting a conical or domed thatched roof made from grasses, reeds, or palm leaves. Interiors tend to be simple, with a compacted earth floor and minimal furnishings; cooking and other activities are often arranged outside or in a small, separate area adjacent to the main room. The design aims to provide insulation from heat and to shed rain efficiently.

The construction of tukuls emphasizes portability and reparability in some communities, aligning with nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles. They are commonly organized within compounds around a central courtyard and may include separate storage or granary spaces. The exact form and detailing of tukuls vary by region, tradition, and available materials.

In modern contexts, tukuls are sometimes maintained for cultural heritage, used in eco-tourism, or replaced by contemporary housing in expanding settlements. Preservation and restoration efforts focus on traditional building techniques and the sustainable use of local resources, while still allowing for adapted forms that meet current needs.