Bridging the Divide

Western and Indigenous Systems of Heritage Management in the African Context

Abstract

Western heritage management systems were introduced as part of a colonial package throughout Africa to preserve monuments and sites that bore witness to the development of indigenous peoples. Before colonialism, indigenous management systems were in place to maintain respect and the survival of cultural heritage sites. These included taboos, restrictions, legends, myths, and ritual ceremonies, and these measures were effective in ensuring the survival of heritage places. This was mainly because traditional communities shared common values and respect for these places, which represented points of communication with the ancestral world. The new Western system of heritage management, however, sought to protect only tangible heritage and considered Western-centric techniques as the only relevant ways of conservation. This scenario prevailed throughout the colonial period, and heritage institutions even inherited the rigid policies towards conservation after independence. Coupled with aspects like the introduction of Christianity, science and technology, and legislation about land ownership, the environment led to the 'suffocation' of indigenous management systems in many parts of Africa. The two systems have different aspects that they cater for and present a conflict, though in a few cases, there have been integrations. This paper adopts a qualitative research approach, which includes interviews with archaeologists, cultural heritage practitioners, and community members in an attempt to get more insights on the possibilities of integrating Western and Indigenous management systems for heritage in the African context. Engaging communities enables the discovery of significant narratives that can provide deeper and more valuable information.