Tombouctou (Timbuktu) is populated by Songhay, Tuareg, Fulani, and Moorish people, and is about 15km north of the River Niger. It is also at the intersection of an east-west and a north-south Trans-Saharan trade across the Sahara to Araouane. It was important historically (and still is today) as an entrepot for rock-salt from Taoudenni (Taodeni). Its geographical setting made it a natural meeting point for nearby African populations and nomadic Berber and Arab peoples from the north. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from March 17, 1970 to July 17, 1970.
Local Numbers:
EENG-IV-10, 7.
General:
Title source: Index card based on photographer's notes.
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Collection Rights:
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