The National Museum of Mali, Bamako: cultural heritage, Mali. Re-opening in 1981 in a building inspired by local Bambara architectural forms, the National Museum of Mali has become a vibrant and outstanding institution. It is at the forefront of efforts to prevent the looting and illicit trafficking of cultural artefacts both in Mali and in Africa as a whole. Initiated by former president Alpha Oumar Konaré, supported by State legislation and actively implemented by museum director Samuel Sidibé, the museum is involved in activities to raise awareness and encourage people to protect their heritage. As a result of such efforts, the pillage of archaeological sites, manuscripts and ethnographic objects has been significantly reduced, and in several instances local communities have established their own small museums.
The National Museum of Mali has a superb collection of over 6,000 objects and plays an important role in preserving and interpreting the country’s aesthetic heritage. Among the museum’s holdings is an extensive musical heritage collection featuring 150 instruments and accessories, 274 audio cassettes and 121 hours of video recordings, which are now also accessible through a website. It has important collections of ceramics and textiles, and the museum has facilitated the exchange of professionals for restoration of ancient textiles and architectural sites. Its exhibition design and layout are a pleasure to the eye.
The museum is also involved in promoting the production of contemporary plastic arts, organising periodic exhibits of artists' work from both Mali and abroad, including exhibitions such as ‘Time and Space: Contemporary cultures of West Africa: shifts and continuity’. To support contemporary artistic expression, the museum has instituted the Pan-African visual arts competition with the UNESCO Prize for the Promotion of the Arts for outstanding creative work. The museum’s photographic collection has an estimated 40,000 black and white prints and 12,000 slides, and it hosts one of Africa’s major modern art exhibitions, the African Photography Encounters featuring contemporary African photographers, colloquia and film showings.
An active multi-disciplinary programme, including concerts by promising young musicians and avant-garde dance groups, has been introduced to generate public awareness, build audiences and bring people into the museum. Research, education and exchange programmes have been established with major international museums to further develop resources in Mali, and the museum is an active participant in ICOM and AFRICOM among other international organisations for the promotion of culture.
This award honours the work of the National Museum of Mali and emphasises the importance of preventing cultural looting and trafficking.
National Museum of Mali, main entrance
National Museum of Mali, permanent exhibition hall
National Museum of Mali. staff
www.museenationaldumali.org.ml
National Museum of Mali on Wikipedia
