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.
* Je remercie sincèrement Ali, Badacha, Balkissa, Ibrahim, Zakiyatou, et les membres du programme ÉLITAF de la Fondation Maison des sciences de l'Homme, pour leurs remarques et suggestions sur ce texte et sur la recherche en cours sur les mobilités internationales des étudiants touaregs.
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