The August 6th issue of the New Scientist includes an interview with Sada Mire, the only working archaeologist in Somalia. Her insights are fascinating, but I was particularly struck with her answer to the question “Why should archaeology be a priority when there are so many problems facing the Horn of Africa, including famine?” In her answer, she stated her belief that cultural heritage, including archaeological heritage was a basic human right. Even people who are refugees or internally displaced need not only food and security, but also a cultural heritage to understand their situation and to preserve their identity and dignity. This is something to keep in mind as Ohio and other states face our own, trivial by comparison, economic problems. Archaeology is not a luxury, it is a basic human right!
Mire has a website devoted to Somali Heritage and Archaeology: http://www.somaliheritage.org/index.php Check it out!
