HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS OF MEGALITHIC STONES IN GEDEO ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA OBSERVATIONS FROM TUTU FELA AND CHELBA TUTUTI SITES

Author:
Open Access
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Gedeo is the area where Africa’s largest megalithic stone concentration is found. This research aims to assess the heritage management problems of megalithic sites in Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia, with a focus on the Tutu Fella and Chelba Tututi sites. Methodologically, the study employed primary and secondary sources, which were collected through a literature review, field work, and interviews with local informants. The study shows that the megalithic stones have historical, archaeological, symbolical, artistic and commemorative significances which enable the sites to be major source of tourism development in the area. However, these multifaceted collective past memories are subjected to mismanagement activities that have a negative impact on the preservation of the megalithic stones. These problems are associated with the lack of awareness among the local community about the values and the need for the management of the megalithic stones, the expansion of Christianity and the subsequent socio-cultural changes in the area, the mismanagement of the site’s tourism activity, which is not supported by regular and legal means of collection of tourist entrance fees, the weakness of the local culture and tourism offices to employ protection activities for the sites, and the absence of continuous recording and promotion works on these features. The study also recommends the need for creating public platforms to increase the local community’s awareness of the importance of the sites, continuous recording and promotion, the use of legal frameworks to support heritage management and tourism development in the sites, and recognition of the sites as national heritage.