Tripoli: The first book documenting the camel branding system in Libya has been published. Dar Al-Waleed Library has unveiled a new work by researcher Muhammad Ali Al-Abdali, titled “The Camel Branding System in Libya: A Study of Economic and Cultural History.”
According to Libyan News Agency, the book is the first of its kind in Libyan libraries and captures one of the most prominent elements of Bedouin visual culture in the country. It examines branding as symbols with social and cultural significance, reflecting identity and belonging. The book explains the distinctions between primary and secondary branding, the forms of branding, their names, and locations on camels, as well as their role in determining ownership within Bedouin society.
The author further analyzes the dimensions of branding, linking them to tribal traditions and beliefs, and tracing their impact on economic, religious, and political spheres. He also discusses the transformations in this system in the modern era and the influence of social and economic variables on its continuity.
The publication opens the door to new studies on the visual identity of tribes and invites exploration of other symbols of popular heritage, including jewelry, textiles, and tattoos, marking it as a notable scholarly addition to anthropology and contemporary Libyan studies.