National Museum of Mali
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The National Museum of Mali (French: Musée national du Mali) is an archeological and anthropological museum located in Bamako, the capital of Mali. It presents permanent and temporary exhibits on the prehistory of Mali, as well as the musical instruments, dress, and ritual objects associated with Mali's various ethnic groups.
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[edit] History
The National Museum began under French rule as the Sudanese Museum, part of the Institut Français d’Afrique Noire (IFAN) under Théodore Monod. It was opened on February 14, 1953, under the direction of Polish archeologist G. Szumowski.
With the independence of the Republic of Mali in 1960, the Sudanese Museum became the National Museum of Mali, with the new objectives of promoting national unity and celebrating Malian traditional culture. However, lack of financial means and absence of qualified personnel caused some deterioration in the museum's collections.
[edit] New location and funding
On March 8, 1982, the National Museum moved into a new mud-brick structure, created by architect Jean-Loup Pivin from traditional Malian designs. Since the 1992 election of former archaeologist Alpha Oumar Konaré to Mali's presidency, the museum's funding has increased considerably, leaving it among the best in West Africa.
The museum often hosts part of African Photography Encounters, a biannual photography festival.
[edit] Notes
- ↑ Velton 101.
[edit] References
- This article began as a translation of the corresponding article in the French Wikipedia, accessed 18 December 2005.
- Velton, Ross. Mali: The Bradt Travel Guide. Chalfont St Peter, England: Bradt, 2000.
