Applied Methods for Upgrading Documentation of Immovable Heritage in Lesotho

Ashton Sinamai,Seke Katsamudanga,Ishanlosen Odiaua,Ndukuyake Ndhlovu

doi:10.22599/jachs.12

Abstract

The conservation of African immovable heritage is increasingly faced with the challenge of irreversible change from the development process. There is an urgent need to ensure that those remaining places are properly documented for posterity. This paper reports on action taken to safeguard Lesotho national heritage, through the upgrading of its heritage documentation system and the establishment of a baseline inventory for the national heritage conservation agency. The exercise was carried out over two years, with international partnership, based on regional expertise. The heritage typologies recorded were architectural, archaeological and natural, including rock paintings, in nature. It provides an example of how cooperation of international organisation and exchange of skills among African organisations could assist in solving some of the problems faced by the heritage sectors of countries that lack the capacity to preserve their cultural resources.

Highlights

With the pace of infrastructural development in Africa, numerous heritage places are lost before they are recorded
Heritage documentation is a prerequisite for all conservation actions and its absence in Lesotho meant that there were no records to consult in development and conservation processes
Understaffing and the absence of a dedicated heritage infrastructure may reflect the lack of regard for cultural heritage in government circles

Summary

Introduction

With the pace of infrastructural development in Africa, numerous heritage places are lost before they are recorded. In Lesotho, the major threats are mining, dam building and agriculture. This paper discusses a recent contribution to the conservation of heritage places in Lesotho, a landlocked nation surrounded by South Africa. There was no consolidated list of heritage sites and places and the few known sites had no documentation. Heritage documentation is a prerequisite for all conservation actions and its absence in Lesotho meant that there were no records to consult in development and conservation processes. Management of heritage places was, impossible without thorough documentation

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Discussion

Conclusion