Archaeological Heritage Management in Tanzania

Abstract

The idea that various forms of archaeological heritage are important is common among communities in different parts of the world. Similarly, the practices of looking after and ensuring the continued existence of such forms have a long history as well. This is evidenced by the fact that almost every community in the world has their own ways of looking after different aspects that are valued and recognized as archaeological heritage. Such ways usually involve administrative systems and regulations that control the process and guide practitioners that implement different activities related to the management process. Nonetheless, the early 19th century saw the beginning of efforts to standardize the Archaeological Heritage Management (AHM) practices in different parts of the world. This was done through the introduction of the management systems that formerly existed in Western countries to other parts of the world as an integral part of the colonial infrastructures. The result of this was the exportation of various management values and standards from Western countries to other parts. These newly introduced management systems have always been a source of conflict between the responsible authorities and the local community. Tanzania is among the countries of the world that are endowed with diverse forms of archaeological heritage. As in other former colonies, the current practices of AHM owe their origin to the colonial period and the succession of German and British imperial administrations. The extant system was introduced during the colonial period and has continued to operate, with some modifications introduced during the postcolonial period.