Mauritania 3 pc set P-16b P-17 P-18 STUNNING 100 200 500 Ouguiya 2013-2015

Set of three uncirculated banknotes from Mauritania, a former French colony on the Atlantic coast south of Morocco and north of Senegal. It is the westernmost country of the Sahara desert and the area of the Sahara, known as the Sahel. Banknotes are inscribed in Arabic and French.

Top Banknote: 100 Ouguiya (P-16)

Front:

• Central Design: Features the Grand Mosque of Oualata, renowned for its distinctive and colorful Sudano-Sahelian architecture. You can clearly see the characteristic geometric patterns and the overall structure of the mosque.
  
• Geometric Patterns: Intricate geometric designs in shades of pink, blue, and brown border the central image and fill other areas of the banknote, reflecting Islamic artistic traditions.

Back:

• Tidinit, a traditional four-stringed lute-like instrument played by men in Mauritania. This symbolizes the rich musical heritage of the country.
• Dromedary camel standing near a traditional well or water source with a simple structure. This represents the nomadic culture and the importance of livestock and water in the arid environment.
• Geometric Borders: Similar intricate geometric patterns frame the central images.

Middle Banknote: 200 Ouguiya (P-17)

Front:

• Chinguetti Mosque, another historically significant mosque and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its characteristic earthen architecture is clearly depicted.
  
• Geometric motifs in shades of orange, brown, and green are prominent.

Back:

• Mortar and pestle, traditional tools likely used for grinding grains or preparing food, representing daily life and traditional practices.
• Felucca, a traditional sailing boat commonly used for fishing and transport along the Mauritanian coast, along with a palm tree and a well or water source with a pulley system. This symbolizes coastal life and the importance of water resources.

* Decorative Borders: Stylized floral or geometric patterns frame the central images.

Bottom Banknote: 500 Ouguiya (P-18)

Front:

• Azougui Fort (Ksar), a historic fortified village (ksar) showcasing traditional Mauritanian architecture.
• Geometric and Floral Patterns: Decorative patterns in shades of green, brown, and beige are used throughout the design.

Back:

• Herd of cattle grazing, emphasizing the importance of livestock in the Mauritanian economy and culture.
• Modern industrial scene, possibly representing mining or other resource extraction, symbolizing the country's economic development.
• Stylized Borders: Abstract and geometric designs frame the central images.

Common Themes and Symbols:

• Architecture: The prominent display of significant mosques and a ksar highlights Mauritania's rich history, cultural heritage, and Islamic identity.
• Traditional Culture: The inclusion of the tidinit, mortar and pestle, and camel represents aspects of traditional Mauritanian life, music, and nomadic heritage.
• Economy and Resources: The cattle, felucca, and industrial scene symbolize key sectors of the Mauritanian economy.
• Water: The depiction of wells or water sources emphasizes the importance of this resource in a desert environment.
• Islamic Art: The pervasive use of intricate geometric and arabesque patterns reflects the strong influence of Islamic art and design.

These banknotes are not only currency but also miniature works of art that tell a visual story about Mauritania's past, present, and cultural identity.