Preserving Ancient Manuscripts in Africa
International conference on preservation of ancient manuscripts in Africa - Photo newbusinessethiopia.com
During a two-day international Conference on Preserving Africa’s Ancient Manuscripts being held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the call was heard for the preservation of Africa’s ancient manuscripts.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hailemariam Dessalegn said that although Africa is the poorest continent economically, it has a wealth of cultural heritage.
Ancient Ethiopian manuscript - Photo newbusinessethiopia.com
Ancient Ethiopian manuscript - Photo newbusinessethiopia.com
The conference was organised to find ways of preserving Africa’s ancient manuscripts in which past glories and failures, achievements and frustrations are documented.
Echoing the current call for the world’s museums to return previously acquired artefacts and historic manuscripts Dessalegn said; “Over the centuries, several European invaders have desecrated, destroyed or looted African treasures. These looted manuscripts have become the main attractions in many European museums and galleries.”
“If properly managed, they can be sources of economic development and can also generate income through tourism,” he added.
Culture and Tourism minister Amin Abdoulkadir talked on how Ethiopia is endowed with invaluable literary heritages. However he admitted that these archives are often inadequately housed and cared for, adding that many of them are still in the hands of individuals and families and many others are not even identified and registered.
many of them are still in the hands of individuals and families and many others are not even identified and registered
Currently only twelve of Ethiopia’s literary documents are registered as world literary heritage by UNESCO.
African professional conservators and curators attended the two day forum where they discussed how best to handle Africa’s ancient manuscripts.
The forum will also plan how to create a mechanism for wider cooperation which will address the issue at a pan-African level, laying the foundations for a networked support resource.
http://www.pasthorizons.com/index.php/archives/12/2010/preserving-ancient-manuscripts-in-africa