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2) The second source of support was camels and horses. "The Bedouin
is truly the parasite of the camel, just as the camel is truly the ship
of the desert. " The importance of the Lamels and horses to the
society, particularly in transport and for warfare. is indicated by
the fact that they were a means to estimate dowry and a measure of a
man's wealth.
2
3) Finally, and most important of all as a source of livelihood.
were the spoils obtained in wars and raids. Such raids were usually
made by a tribe against other tribes unconnected with it by blood or
kinship. The aim of the raiding tribe. most of the time, was to take
possession of such booty as cattle. camels, horses. weapons and even
women* As it was suggested:
"raids were a basic way of earning a living and there
were many reasons for them. For example. when drought
happens and water becomes scarce and pasture disappears.
strong tribes make raids on the weak ones with a view to
taking possession of their resources. " 3
"Wars might also be a result of deterioration in personal
relationship between the chiefs of tribes which sometimes
were connected with marriage, divorce and rivalry. " 4
All these factors necessitated that a tribe be constantly in a state of
military mobilisation, either to undertake raids on other
iribes
defend itself against the raids of others. So. these political and
economic factors in Bedouin society had a great effect on the woman's
status. But what was the woman's role under such severe social and
political conditions?
We can divide the role of woman in these aspects into two parts:
in her hegative role. she was a victim sometimes captive in these
continual wars, while in her limited positive role. she might be
either the reason for going to war or sometimes, the 'messenger of
1. Holt,. Arxwkg Hermard, op* citq Pe 49
2. Ali, op. cit., Vol. 5, P. 337
3. Ibid*
4, Ibid.
or to
4"
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