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Written by DCist contributor Amy Cavanaugh
The Tuareg people, who once roamed a region of the Sahara, are the subject of a new exhibit at the National Museum of African Art. Art of Being Tuareg: Sahara Nomads in a Modern World uses art to explore the present-day world of a nomadic tribe, and explains that though the end of French colonial rule and droughts made most Tuareg settle down permanently, many aspects of their lives have remained the same for generations.
The Tuareg number between 1 and 1.5 million, and reside in an area that includes southern Algeria, southwestern Libya, Mali and Niger. Unlike many Muslim societies, the men wear veils and not the women — the Tagelmust is an indigo veil worn by men that stains their skin blue and defines their identity, giving them the nickname “Blue People.” They live in a stratified society divided into nobility, tributary groups and the inadan — classes of religious leaders and artists — who are the focus of the exhibit.
The 250 works range from camel prods to silver amulet cases, and all display detailed, careful craftsmanship. The first room presents a mock boutique for husband and wife inadan pair, Saidi Oumba and Andi Ouhoulu. He makes exquisite silver jewelry, especially the crosses that are renowned parts of Tuareg culture, and she is known for her elegant decorated leather bags and other items. The two are some of the most-featured artists in the exhibit — unsurprising, given the quality of their work — but it would have been nice to see an array of artists’ work on display.
While a large part of the exhibit consists of jewelry, other rooms explore various elements of Tuareg culture. The tribe, like much of the world, drinks tea often, and their tea ceremony consists of three glasses of tea, consumed in succession — strong, medium and sweet teas correspond to three stages of life – youth, middle age and old age. A teapot from China and handmade utensils to crush sugar highlight the clash of modern and traditional elements present in many aspects of Tuareg life.
There’s also a case showing examples of Tuareg poetry. They passed poetry down orally, and it is a record of their history, from romantic tales to epic battles and camel caravans. Snippets of their poetry are used as captions for other displays.
The final room of the exhibit was the most helpful for really understanding the Tuareg’s worldwide influence. The French boutique Hermès commissioned Tuareg artists to create patterns for their scarves, which are strikingly beautiful, bright pieces. Some Tuareg artists even sell their works online -- this site is run by the Koumamas, an inadan family in Niger.
The Art of Being Tuareg runs through January 27. The National Museum of African Art is located at 950 Independence Ave., SW and is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Image courtesy the museum's web site.
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I would try to avoid the use of the word "roam" when referring to a group of people. It calls to mind buffalo, or other animals, rather than human beings. Even nomads have a homeland, even if its the size of a desert.
And, of course, these subhuman, roaming Tuaregs didn't just ONCE live in Northern Africa -- they still do.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taureg
Or did you think they could only name VWs after ethnic groups that had been wiped out?
That makes sense. I always wondered what Jetta meant.