The origins of the division into
Kel Ataram ("people of the west") and
Kel Dinnik ("people of the east") goes back to at least 1800, and perhaps a century earlier. The major eastern arm of the confederation is the
Kel Dinnik (var.
Kel Dinnig), sometimes named the "Ouilliminden Kel Dinnik", and centered in the
Azawagh, near
Tchin-Tabaraden and
Tahoua. Their major "free"/"Imajeghen" components include the
Irreulen,
Lisawan,
Tiggirmat,
Tellemidez, and
Ikhekheren. The free/noble
Kel Nan clan is the traditional source of the
Amenokal, the paramount confederation leader chosen by clan heads. Both groups are traditionally pastoralists, whose migration patterns take them north into the
Sahara during the brief rainy season, and south as far as Nigeria and Burkina Faso during the dry season. Like all Tuareg groups, they are formed from a number of highly stratified castes, who interweave loyalty from a number of clans, some of whom are limited to specific castes. Ruling caste clans lead the large confederations, and engage in seasonal migration, herding, trade, war, and religious duties. Lower castes, and clans made up of subject groups of free clans are more likely sedentary and not part of confederations, even if their traditional suzerains are members of a confederation such as the Iwellemmedan. In addition, large confederations may include allied non-Tuaregs, such as local Arabic speaking tribes. ==History==