Invisible Anthropology: Nomads of the Sahara Exhibition at the National Anthropology Museum

This exhibition, 'Invisible Anthropology: When We Were Sustainable: Nomads of the Sahara', showcases artifacts and themes related to nomadic communities in the Sahara. It explores their existence based on adaptation to a harsh environment, portable housing, and reliance on herds, highlighting their sustainable practices.

The 'Invisible Anthropology: When We Were Sustainable: Nomads of the Sahara' exhibition is presented as a display case in the museum's welcome area. It delves into the centuries-old existence of nomadic and transhumant communities across the Sahara desert. These groups have historically based their lives on adapting to a challenging environment, which has dictated their way of life, from their necessarily portable housing to their diet, which relies almost exclusively on their herds. The exhibition highlights the distinct cultural traditions of various nomadic groups such as Arabs, Arabized Berbers (Imazighen), Tuaregs, Wodaabe, and Tubu, all inhabiting different regions of the vast African desert. Similar to the Kazakh nomads of Central Asia, Saharan nomads supplemented their livestock activities with small-scale trade and, in very specific cases, with oasis farming. The family unit forms the core of their social organization. Their dwellings, tents that are easily dismantled and transported, are constructed using materials readily available in their environment, serving as a prime example of near-disappearing sustainability. The exhibition draws upon a selection of museum pieces not normally on display, forming part of the 'Antropología (in)visible' series. Visitors are encouraged to pause and appreciate this display located near the ticket office, as it offers valuable insights into a culture on the brink of change. The display is part of the ongoing dialogue on sustainability and human adaptation.

Entry is a combined ticket with the permanent exhibition.