Sustainable Safety and Preservation Mechanisms for Cross River Monoliths

Abstract

Monoliths are age-long stone formations that have represented and given clues to the reconstruction and interpretation of the extinct cultures. Their tourism motivation to localities is inestimable. Incidentally, these monumental edifices of human cultural history have faced the challenges of safety and preservation. For example, the Cross River Monoliths have continued to deteriorate and are being destroyed in the recent past due to the activities of man and nature along with other safety issues facing the monoliths, its owners and visitors. Some rescue mechanisms have been employed made in tincluding the assembling of these monoliths to a designated location in an open-air museum. This paper contends that more needs to be done in this regard. The study proposes Mix Method Approach (MMA), which is a conglomeration of interdependent practices, to enhance the safety and preservation of the Cross River monoliths for both posterity and tourism development in the area. The implication of the study is the introduction of further directions in monolith studies and preservations in Africa and beyond.