The Politics of Heritage Management in Mali: From UNESCO to Djenné

Description

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Djenné, 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 Djenné’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. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents List of Illustrations Series Foreword Acknowledgments Introduction Djenné: Place or People? About Djenné Djenné’s Mosque The Cultural Mission and the Heritage Elite Djenné’s Future About This Book Part I: Putting Djenné on the Map 1 Architecture and the “Creation” of Djenné in the West Early Explorers French Colonialism Colonial Officials and Photographers in Djenné Colonial Exhibitions The Second World War and Decolonisation Conclusion 2 Archaeology and Architecture Islamic Diffusionism Archaeology and Loss Djenné’s Architecture The Dutch Housing Restoration Project The Sanitation Project Conclusion 3 UNESCO and Becoming a World Heritage Site UNESCO’s History Working for UNESCO UNESCO’s Concept of Culture The World Heritage List Becoming a World Heritage Site The Concept of World Heritage UNESCO’s Limits Intangible Cultural Heritage and Outstanding Universal Value Intangible Cultural Heritage in Mali Conclusion Part II: Life in Djenné 4 Islam An Islamic Education in Djenné The “Prayer Economy” Amulets and Shoes The Problem of Garibous UNESCO and Islam Conclusion 5 Livelihood Strategies Grass Root Organisations The Monday Market Women Material Possessions Poverty The 2006 Riot Conclusion 6 Artisans, Embodied Knowledge, and Authenticity Being an Embroiderer’s Apprentice Artisan Associations Negotiating Authenticity Embodied Knowledge Voices of Authenticity in Djenné Biennale de Ségou Conclusion 7 Guides and the Regulation of History in Djenné The Status of the Guides Dramane’s Story The Tourist Season OMATHO Becoming a Guide in Djenné Papa’s Story Djenné and Multiple Histories Access to Income from Cultural Heritage The Tourist The Mali Circuit UNESCO and Tourism Conclusion 8 Festival du Djennéry Festivals in Mali Whose Festival? Negotiations around the crépissage of the Mosque Organising the Festival The Opening Ceremony Soirées Culturelles The Exhibition Hall Conclusion 9 Conclusion The Lessons from Intangible Heritage Democratising Heritage Djenné’s Future Heritage Ethnographies Appendices Appendix 1: Imams of the Great Mosque in Djenné Appendix 2: Chefs du Village Appendix 3: Ministry of Culture Organigram Appendix 4: Impact of Tourism Diagram Notes References Index About the Author