The Future of the Past. Towards Conservation of Undocumented Archaeological Sites and Objects in Tegray (Ethiopia) / Le futur du passé: vers la conservation des sites et des objets archéologiques non-documentés dans le Tegray (Éthiopie)

Abstract

The destruction and looting of archaeological sites have undermined preservation efforts of cultural heritage in Tegray. This problem has been aggravated due to the opening of new roads connecting Wereda with Tabia administrative units, as well as other development activities and urbanization. Ever since the publication of the repertoire of pre-Aksumite and Aksumite sites found in Tegray by Eric Godet four decades ago, scores of new sites are revealed to researchers. This article focuses on little known or hitherto unknown archaeological sites and archaeological materials that were recovered by villagers from different sites but have never been catalogued, neither by researchers nor by the Tegray Culture and Tourism Bureau (TCTB) and the Authority for Research and Conservation of the Cultural Heritage (ARCCH). In addition to highlighting the major factors of destruction of undocumented archaeological sites and non-catalogued material objects, the purpose of this paper is to broaden and re ne our understanding in order to combat the looting and destruction of cultural heritage in Tegray. This paper is based on the personal experience of the author as (former) tourism and heritage of cer (in TCTB) as well as extensive eld work conducted since March 2010.