Traditional Custodianship: A Useful Framework for Heritage Management in Southern Africa?

Abstract

Formal heritage management systems have failed to protect archaeological sites in many parts of southern Africa. Since historical times, local communities living in close proximity to heritage places have often played a large role in ensuring the survival of places of cultural significance through their traditional custodianship systems. Yet often these systems are ignored or not fully recognized by the State heritage management organizations. This study investigates whether an intimate understanding of traditional custodianship systems can provide direction towards a more effective and sustainable method of managing archaeological sites imbued with sacred values. In an attempt to harness the positive parts of both the traditional and formal systems, the work recommends the adoption of a framework enriched by a philosophy of rooted cosmopolitanism that embraces legal pluralism in heritage legislation and cultural polices.

Keywords:

• TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANSHIP
• HERITAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
• SOUTHERN AFRICA