When a rural community defines itself through an archaeological site: the case of Melka Kunture (Ethiopia)

Authors

  • Flavio Altamura Italo-Spanish Archaeological Mission at Melka Kunture and Balchit, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
  • Luca Di Bianco Italo-Spanish Archaeological Mission at Melka Kunture and Balchit, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
  • Margherita Mussi Italo-Spanish Archaeological Mission at Melka Kunture and Balchit, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; ISMEO – The International Association for Mediterranean and Oriental Studies, 244, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II – Palazzo Baleani, Roma, Italy.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13133/2280-6148/18185

Abstract

 

 

Melka Kunture is a cluster of Pleistocene sites discovered in 1963, located 50 km south of Addis Ababa on the Ethiopian highlands. Since then, annual archeological research has always involved a number of local workers from the nearby village of Awash. This collaboration led to the development of a team of workers specialized in archeological investigations. Meanwhile, a deep sense of pride and awareness also developed the local community at large, that has borne fruits in terms of recognition and protection of the archeological site. A small museum was built and eventually expanded, and some archeological areas were also left open for visitors. The candidature of the site to World Heritage List will be discussed by the UNESCO Committee in 2024. Expectations run high in the Awash community, which proudly recognizes the archeological site as a means to improve the importance and visibility of the area.

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Published

2023-08-24

How to Cite

Altamura, F., Di Bianco, L., & Mussi, M. (2023). When a rural community defines itself through an archaeological site: the case of Melka Kunture (Ethiopia). Journal of Mediterranean Earth Sciences, 15. https://doi.org/10.13133/2280-6148/18185

Issue

Vol. 15 (2023): Special Issue: "Conference Proceedings - 40 Years of Casal de’ Pazzi in the framework of Pleistocene archeo-paleontological sites (400,000-40,000 BP): current knowledge and new research perspectives"

Section

Articles

License

The submission has not been previously published, nor is it before another journal for consideration (or an explanation has been provided in Comments to the Editor).