Museums & archaeology in West Africa

the long version

The contributors, drawing on their practical experiences in eleven countries, analyse problems and attitudes involved in the development of links between museum personnel and archaeologists, underlining the existing gaps and suggesting possible improvements. Case studies explain the present situation in the administration and preservation of archaeological sites, setting out present problems and possible future solutions. Museums need to play an active role and collaborate with archaeologists, local communities and governments. It is particularly important for the results of archaeological research to be accessible to the nationals of each country. To this end the authors stress the importance of exhibitions, educational activities and the use of the media in the dissemination of knowledge of the past. Such diffusion requires the development of a range of strategies for reaching different types of audience.