Dune Maps Shine explores the fascinating history of Tuareg navigation across the Sahara, highlighting their profound geographic literacy and potential use of sophisticated location-finding techniques. This book delves into how the Tuareg people, relying on environmental cues like wind patterns and terrain variations, navigated vast distances. Intriguingly, evidence suggests they may have utilized crafted maps and non-electronic GPS-like devices, challenging conventional narratives that often overlook non-Western contributions. The book emphasizes the importance of studying indigenous knowledge systems and their role in shaping historical trade routes.
The book examines the historical context of trans-Saharan trade, including the exchange of gold, salt, and slaves, illustrating the critical role of the Tuareg's navigational skills in sustaining these networks. By drawing from historical texts, interviews, and satellite imagery, Dune Maps Shine argues that the Tuareg combined innate skill with deliberate technological adaptation, offering a fresh perspective on ancient navigation.
The book progresses by first introducing the Tuareg culture and traditional techniques, then presenting evidence of advanced mapping, and finally exploring the impact of this knowledge on Saharan history.
