City Libraries, City of Gold Coast

The politics of heritage management in Mali, from UNESCO to Djenné, Charlotte Joy

eng

Includes bibliographical references and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

The politics of heritage management in Mali

bibliography

Charlotte Joy

Critical cultural heritage series, vol. 7

from UNESCO to Djenné

"The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Djenne, in modern day Mali, is exalted as an enduring wonder of the ancient African world by archaeologists, anthropologists, state officials, architects, and travel writers. In this revealing study, the author critically examines how the politics of heritage management, conservation, and authenticity play essential roles in the construction of Djenne's past and its appropriation for contemporary purposes. Despite its great renown, the majority of local residents remain desperately poor. And while most are proud of their cultural heritage, they are often troubled by the limitations it places on their day to day living conditions. Joy argues for a more critical understanding of this paradox and urges us all to reconsider the moral and philosophical questions surrounding the ways in which we use the past in the present." -- Back cover

Part I. Putting Djenne on the map. Architecture and the 'creation' of Djenne in the West -- Archaeology and architecture -- UNESCO and becoming a World Heritage Site -- Part II. Life in Djenne. Islam -- Livelihood strategies -- Artisans, embodied knowledge and authenticity -- Guides and the regulation of history in Djenne -- Festival du Djennery -- The lessons from intangible heritage -- Democratising heritage -- Djenne's future -- Heritage ethnographies