Crimes against cultural heritage in Timbuktu

The first prosecution for the destruction of cultural sites as a war crime at the International Criminal Court (ICC) involved Timbuktu. This landmark case underscores the significance of protecting such sites during conflicts and highlights their role in shaping national identity and historical narratives. The study examines the historical relationship between Mali and UNESCO, as well as the cultural and religious heritage of Timbuktu, to contextualize the destruction within an ongoing dialogue about Mali's future. It also explores the broader implications for anthropological studies of material culture, challenging traditional understandings of people's connections to sites and objects.

Joy, C. L. (2018). Crimes against cultural heritage in Timbuktu. Anthropology Today, 34(1), 15–17. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8322.12404