Community awareness and understanding of the origin of Swahili archaeological heritage and ruins along Tanzania’s Swahili coast: conservation and management issues
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SAGE
Abstract
The Tanzanian coast has many remains of medieval Swahili settlements dated between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries C.E. In the same region, Neolithic and Later Stone Age sites have also been reported, alongside evidence for Early Iron Working settlements. Swahili culture, and the ruins that can still be seen, have their origins in this rich cultural past. It appears, however, that the present communities along the Tanzanian Swahili coast, and the public, are unaware of this important heritage history. There is a popular belief among them that the origin and influence on the now ruined Swahili settlements came from the Middle East, and it is true that Arab and other travellers described Swahili civilization in their writings. In this article, we explore the communities and researchers’ different perspectives on the origin of the Swahili ruins, focusing on the conservation and management problems this raises. We also analyse the position and role of heritage management institutions in the country towards enhancing community awareness and proper conservation of the ruins. Finally, we propose ways of promoting community awareness of the origin of the Swahili ruins, influencing participation and actions towards their conservation and management.
Description
Abstract. Full text available at https://doi.org/10.1177/24559296211054611
Keywords
Swahili coast, Swahili archaeological heritage, Community, Swahili culture, Tanzanian Swahili coast, Swahili ruins, Archaeology, Conservation, Management
Citation
Chami, M. F., Albrecht, E., & Ryano, M. P. (2021). Community awareness and understanding of the origin of Swahili archaeological heritage and ruins along Tanzania’s Swahili coast: conservation and management issues. Journal of Heritage Management, 7(1), 9-21.