Cote d’Ivoire opens first archaeology museum to showcase ancient heritage
Côte d'Ivoire has opened its first archaeological museum, as part of efforts to protect and promote the country’s ancient history.
The museum is located between the villages of Singrobo and Ahouaty in the south and was built on the site of a hydroelectric dam.
It will showcase items dating back to the Stone Age and tell the story of the country’s past up to the colonial era.
Artefacts include stone tools, traditional weapons, carved stones, and decorative items like cowrie shells and beads.
A human skeleton found in a burial site is also part of the collection. Many of these objects come from different parts of the country and were previously kept by local archaeologists and universities.
The launch also included a new agreement between Côte d'Ivoire and Switzerland to fight the illegal trade in cultural property.
It outlines how to return stolen items and promises better cooperation to protect historical heritage.
Swiss official Elisabeth Baume-Schneider said the agreement builds on the strong relationship between the two countries and their shared goal to protect cultural history.
The museum adds to a growing tourist attraction in the area that includes a man-made lake, a forest, and a hippopotamus reserve, offering visitors a chance to explore both nature and history in one place.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
