Located at the crossroads between East and West, the oasis cities of the Tarym Basin were key stops for anyone traveling the legendary Silk Road. Extremely well-preserved human remains found at these sites reveal the presence of ancient people of unknown origin. These mummies, of Caucasian appearance, challenge long-held beliefs about the history of the area and early human migrations. The excavated materials suggest that the area was active for thousands of years, with the presence of diverse languages, lifestyles, religions and cultures. This exhibition offers a chance to explore this fascinating material and begin to uncover some of the secrets of the Silk Road. Dr. Victor H. Mair, curatorial consultant for the Secrets of the Silk Road exhibition and co-author of the book The Tarim Mummies, discusses the ongoing discoveries of these remarkable mummies, what we have learned, and what is yet to be discovered.