In a world filled with fast-paced trends and viral digital sensations, the essence of cultural heritage, and its protection often gets lost in the shuffle.
Cultural heritage is not just about ancient artefacts locked away in museums or sites that display cultural prowess, it is the heartbeat of the continent’s being, echoing through time and telling the story of who Africans are.
From the mesmerising tapestries of ancient civilisation to delicate strokes of a forgotten artist’s masterpiece, cultural property encapsulates the essence of humanity.
Imagine a world without the Benin Bronzes, the Yoruba Gelede Masks, the Nok Terracotta Figures, the ancient and beautiful Sukur Cultural Landscape, the age-long Osun Sacred Grove, The Ogbunike Caves, the adored Pyramid of Egypt, or even the vibrant Murals of the Maya Civilisation.
Cultural property are living testaments of shared history and a connection to African roots, thus, the need to protect them.
But what should be done when the survival of this property is threatened by factors linked to humans, the very humans who are tasked with the responsibility of protecting and preserving cultural properties for future generations? To lose them will be akin to tearing pages out of the book of humanity, leaving gaps in human understanding of where they come from, and who they aspire to be.
In response to the need to protect cultural heritage, it’s amazing how youths are using social media platforms to amplify their voices and make themselves heard. They are actively engaging in discussions about societal issues that concern development, including those around cultural heritage and recognising that it’s not just an individual obligation but a collective responsibility.
One of the most exciting examples of this is ‘TIMELINE’, a weekly online vodcast on YouTube, driven by young people. In their conversation, the young participants look at protection of cultural property as a contemporary and exciting issue that resonates with young minds, who know the essence of preserving the African heritage.
They noted that if young people continue to collaborate and amplify their voices on social media, they can trigger a wave of positive change in society.”
The youth raised the need for social media, website conversations, streaming services to change the narrative. They said the constant buzz of the digital age should be significant enough in preserving cultural heritage that tends to fade into the background.
According to them, “beneath this challenge lies an opportunity to foster positive change. Individuals, organisations, and countries are making big moves toward protecting cultural properties.
“Laws are being made and upheld to preserve cultural properties, and international organisations are partnering with indigenous institutions to stop the destruction, theft, illegal migration, as well looting of cultural properties. The media also plays a significant role by creating awareness and promoting education.
“Let’s join in the quest, to preserve our cultural heritage and make the world a better place!” They noted.
