Cultural Patrimony and Heritage Management in Mali: The Old Towns of Djenné and the Sanké Mon Festival

Mali's approach to cultural heritage, initially rooted in nation-building and collaboration with UNESCO, has evolved to embrace tourism-driven commodification. This study highlights the complex interplay between political projects and economic strategies, using case studies of Djenne and San—both UNESCO-listed sites—to illustrate these dynamics. It also examines the fragility of state-led nationalist efforts exposed during recent insurgencies in northern Mali, while outlining post-conflict measures to foster a shared cultural patrimony among citizens. The research combines historical analysis with fieldwork, offering insights into heritage management challenges and opportunities.

Arnoldi. (2014). Cultural Patrimony and Heritage Management in Mali: The Old Towns of Djenné and the Sanké Mon Festival. Africa Today, 61(1), 47. https://doi.org/10.2979/africatoday.61.1.47