Tuareg women are treated with respect. However, they are not allowed to hold political offices or exercise any authority outside their own tents. Tuareg culture embraces many forms of art. They have a large collection of music, poetry, and songs that are often used during festivals, courtship, and various rituals. Metal, wood, and dyed and embroidered leather crafts are manufactured.
Women play single-chord violins called imzads , and men often play drums or wooden flutes.
Parties are frequently held around campfires during the evenings, where both men and women sing. Though the Tuareg are virtually all Sunni Muslim , they have a reputation among other Muslims for being lukewarm in their faith. They practice a passive form of Islam, infused with local superstitions and magic. Most do not even celebrate the most important Muslim fast of Ramadan. Protective charms or amulets are commonly worn.