Archaeology in Post-Conflict Tigrai, Ethiopia

Date and time: December 14th, 17:00-18:00h CET

Location: In person at UPF Ciutadella Campus (Room 40.113) and also online, please register here. 

Speakers: Catherine D'Andrea, Archeology Professor, Simon Fraser University ,Vancouver

Summary: The recent conflict in Ethiopia (November 2020-January 2023) has resulted in the damage, destruction and theft of cultural heritage buildings, manuscripts and sacred objects across Tigrai Regional State. This has included damage to Orthodox Churches and Mosques, and to manuscripts and other sacred objects. In the town of Adigrat, storerooms holding extensive archaeological and research collections compiled by the Eastern Tigrai Archaeological Project (ETAP) were pillaged and destroyed. During the conflict, local communities suffered atrocities committed by invading forces, including widespread gender-based violence, extra-judicial killings and massacres, in some cases during church services. Not only does the cultural heritage of Tigrai require our immediate attention, but the Tigrayan people are also in need of support as they transition back to a more stable life. This presentation will review how ETAP, in collaboration with the Tigrai Culture and Tourism Bureau, is responding to these events, our ongoing research, and what may be next for the project.