The past of dreams: gender, memory and Tuareg oneiric inspiration
Amalia Dragani
Africa January 9, 2018 DOI: 10.1017/s0001972017000596 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Tuareg oral sources, ancient poetic tradition, and contemporary practices |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key points | Argues that although the dream is ostensibly absent as a theme in Tuareg oral sources and ancient poetic tradition, oneiric inspiration from the creative and visionary dreams of past poets is pervasive in poets' work, and explores this paradox through psychological anthropology, oral history, and the 'archival turn'. |
Abstract
Abstract This article is built upon both an observation and a paradox. The observation is that the dream is nowhere to be found – at least at first glance – as a theme in Tuareg oral sources and ancient poetic tradition. The paradox expresses itself in the visceral relationship poets maintain with the dream, because oneiric inspiration – from the creative and visionary dreams of poets of the past – is pervasive in their work. Using an interdisciplinary approach at the crossroads of psychological anthropology, oral history and the ‘archival turn’, the article explores the theme of the dream in Tuareg historical sources and in relation to contemporary practices.