Steppin' Out

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Courtesy of Cantor Arts Center

A camel saddle, circa 1997, made by Kaggo Oumba, is featured in the Cantor's 'Art of Being Tuareg' exhibit.

Show features art and culture of Sahara nomads

By Heather Zimmerman

The Sahara, the world's largest desert, is typically associated with miles of sand, scorching heat and very little water. "Beautiful art" wouldn't necessarily spring to most people's minds--that is, unless they've seen the exhibit "Art of Being Tuareg: Sahara Nomads in a Modern World" at the Cantor Arts Center.

The exhibition is on display through Sept. 1 at the Cantor Arts Center on the campus of Stanford University. "Art of Being Tuareg" features the distinctive clothing, intricately decorated jewelry, leatherwork and more created by the Tuareg, who have traditionally been a nomadic people in the Sahara region. It is the first major show in the United States to focus on Tuareg art.

The exhibit also explores the culture and history of the Tuareg and offers a look into the lives of some contemporary Tuareg men and women. Today, climate change, politics and land use issues are likely to have an impact on the future of the Tuareg, who live primarily in Niger, Mali and Algeria.

"Art of Being Tuareg" includes more than 200 pieces of art, as well as photographs, interviews and other information that reflects both the unique history of the Tuareg and their lives today, which blend the modern with the traditional.

During the month of August, visitors will have a chance to watch artisans Salah and Ousman Saidi creating the silverwork that is a signature Tuareg art. In fact, Tuareg jewelry, as well as leatherwork and clothing, is in demand, often selling in high-end boutiques in the United States and Europe. The Saidi brothers will demonstrate their work Aug. 16-19; Aug 22-26; and Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

"Art of Being Tuareg," which is co-organized by the Cantor Arts Center and UCLA's Fowler Museum, is next headed to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art.

Admission is free. For more information, call 650.723.4177 or visit http://museum.stanford.edu.