Preserving Knowledge as a Basic Human Need: on the History of European Archaeological Practices and the Future of Somali Archaeology. An Interview with Sada Mire
By Sjoerd van der Linde and Monique van den Dries
This interview with Sada Mire starts with the history and legacy of European archaeological practices in Somalia, arguing how it has contributed to a situation in which archaeology is viewed by many Somalis as a distant, foreign phenomenon. Touching upon her personal experiences as a Somali-born Swedish archaeologist, living and working in the UK and Somaliland, the interview then delves deeper into the need for preserving knowledge and promoting community engagement and training as a way forward, ultimately arguing how cultural heritage and archaeological knowledge should be regarded as a basic human need. The paper ends with a discussion on the potential of collaborative practices in terms of bringing communities more closely together.
Related publication: ACCESS Mire S. (2007), Preserving Knowledge, not Objects: A Somali Perspective for Heritage Management and Archaeological Research, African Archaeological Review 24(3-4): 49-71