القيافة و دورها في النظام القصوري الواحاتي بمنطقة توات في الجنوب الغربي الجزائري

Abstract EN

Since its existence, the region of Tuat in the South-west of Algeria has been known by a socio-economic system based on the village and the oasis.

A number of crafts and professions emerged in this system which had an important role in its survival and continuity.

Al-Quiyafa, an Arabic word which means footprint recognition, emerged as a profession among the people of Tuat.

The latter have been famous of this profession since ancient time, it is known by the expression “follow or identify the footprint”.

Many people and families adopted this profession and became famous of it.

Footprint recognizers have efficiently contributed in the economic and social life in the Tuati Society.

The article attempts to shed light on this profession through the collective memory and the oral tradition aiming at writing the local history of the region to preserve it from extinction.