Reflections on Situated Conservation in Saint-Louis: Insights from Alisa Santikarn and Cécile Mendy
The setting of the recent symposium on "Situated Conservation" was the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Island of Saint-Louis (Ndar), a place rich in history and culture. As part of the experience, we had the chance to sample Ceebu Jën, a fish and rice-based dish that originates from this very island. In 2021, Ceebu Jën was officially listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage, a well-deserved recognition thanks to the tireless efforts of Fatima Fall Niang, the very person the conference was dedicated to. This was a beautiful reminder of the deep connections between food, culture, and heritage, and how traditions can be recognized and preserved for future generations.
Repatriation and New Traditions of Care
During the opening keynote, Alain Gonodou delivered an insightful talk on the process of repatriation from France to the Republic of Benin. He shared how these cultural objects, originally taken from African communities, were conserved in "Western ways" but, through repatriation, have now become part of the national heritage. This shift has resulted in these objects being preserved not for individual communities but for the collective benefit of all. Gonodou emphasized that these objects have not simply returned to their original state of conservation, but instead are now cared for in new traditions that adapt to the changing world. This process serves as a powerful example of how heritage can evolve while respecting its past.
Craftspeople’s Call for a Seat at the Table
One of the most poignant moments of the symposium for me was hearing the heartfelt cries from the local craftspeople—potters, dyers, and textile artisans—who felt excluded from the management and promotion of heritage within cultural institutions like museums. Their knowledge, passed down through generations, remains largely sidelined by the policies and regulations of these institutions. What they are asking for is not just recognition, but a concrete role in the conservation and management of heritage. Their skills are a living testament to history and culture, and yet, they are often regarded as less "legitimate" or "scientific" than the academic approaches adopted by museums.
The Need for Collaboration and Recognition of Endogenous Knowledge
The craftspeople are not asking for their knowledge to replace academic practices, but rather for collaboration. Their indigenous knowledge and techniques are essential in the conservation of museum collections, and their contributions deserve to be recognized and integrated into the institutional frameworks of heritage preservation. This collaboration would enrich the understanding and care of cultural heritage, creating a more inclusive and holistic approach. By integrating these traditional practices into modern conservation efforts, we can ensure that heritage is not only preserved but also lived and experienced in its full context.
Enjoying Ceebu Jën: More than just a meal, this communal dish symbolizes teranga (hospitality), bringing family and friends together to share fish, broken rice, and rich tomato sauce by hand or with a spoon.
A Shared Vision for the Future of Heritage Conservation
As we reflect on our time in Saint-Louis, it's clear that the theme of "Situated Conservation" is not just about protecting objects; it's about building connections between the past, the present, and the future. The symposium gave us the opportunity to listen to voices that have too often been overlooked—those of the artisans whose skills breathe life into cultural heritage. Their call for inclusion is a reminder that conservation is not only about objects but also about the people who maintain the traditions that shape them.
We left Saint-Louis inspired, with a deeper understanding of how heritage can be preserved in a way that honors the voices of all those who contribute to its richness. Whether through the delicious taste of Ceebu Jën or the call for greater inclusion in the preservation process, it was a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, respect for tradition, and the need for new ways of caring for our shared heritage.