The Ouled Naïl are a confederation of Arab tribes living in the Ouled Naïl Mountains of Algeria. The Ouled Naïl tribe also originated a style of music known as Bou Saada music. In belly dancing, the term refers to a style of dance originated by the Ouled Naïl people. They are noted for their belly dancing. Though they were regarded by earlier scholars as an Arab tribe they are now considered to be a Berber tribe which has been strongly influenced by the Arabs. The French colonialist representations of Ouled Naïl portrayed them almost exclusively as dancers and prostitutes who accompany caravans, though none of their tribes seem to be specialised in the sex trade. The exuberance of their ornaments and the strangeness of their costumes probably contributed to establish this reputation.
[Private Collection - Oil on canvas, 81.3 x 65.1 cm]
