3, 5, 8 have similar designs (four leaves placed close to a small circle and forming a symmetrical design at the centre of the figure). 2, 6, 9 have similar designs (three of the corners of the main figure are shaded black and there is a pattern formed around a ‘+’ sign at the centre of the figure). 1, 4, 7 have similar designs (there are four small circles at(the corners of the main figure and there is a wheel shaped element at the centre of the figure).
The great Sahara Desert created an opportunity for wealth by trading to peoples who live in and around the region. The city of Timbuktu was built as a result of this trade.
Hundreds of years ago, salt was a very valuable commodity. It was valued for its taste as well as its ability to preserve food. One of the most productive areas for producing salt was the Sahara Desert, and the city of Timbuktu was built to capitalize upon this trade.