The Politics of Heritage Management in Mali: From UNESCO to Djenné (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781611320947)

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.

Author: Charlotte L. Joy
ISBN-10: 1611320941
ISBN-13: 9781611320947
Publisher: Routledge
Language: English
Published: 01/15/2012
Pages: 235
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.10w x 0.80d

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 04/01/2012 pg. 32