In Polynesia the construction of a house is accompanied by a ceremony that combines politics with religion. The building contract has to be drawn up with the tafugas, a guild of skilled craftsmen regarded as the guardians of the art of the god Tangaroa.

Once the contract has been agreed the whole village celebrates the erection of the main pole. This part of the house symbolizes the link between the world of mankind and that of the gods. The rafters of the house are fixed to the main pole and to the poles that form the outer sections of the house. The dome-shaped roof is then placed on this framework.

Polynesians use no precision instruments and do all the building by eye. Their accuracy is amazing. Every house has an individual design reflecting the tafugas who built it. When the house is finished the tafugas puts his own special mark on the timber and the end of job is celebrated by feasting.

The wandering Bedouin who live in the Arabian Peninsula live in black tents which are usually about 10 meters long and 4 meters wide. These tents consist of several strips of cloth sewn together which can be added to or reduced according to the needs of the family. The tent is pitched on three parallel lines of poles. Usually, one side is left open and it is always anchored firmly enough with taut ropes to stand up to the fiercest winds.

The material for the tent is thick and hard-wearing. It is woven by the women on rough looms from goat and camel hair.

Inside the tent the women’s compartment is often divided off by a shoulder-high screen. The side nearer the entrance is reserved for the men and for receiving guests. The part occupied by the head of the family has fireplace and every thing necessary for the ceremony of making and drinking coffee.

The furniture consists of cushions, rugs and leather pouffes. The most important item is a copper tray on a folding wooden table which is sometimes elaborately carved and decorated with inlaid ivory.