Tougo: The Association of Friends for the Protection and Enhancement of World Heritage Sites (2A-PAM) organized a guided tour of an ancient iron metallurgy site in Kindibo, Tougo commune, on Tuesday. This outing was part of the celebrations for African World Heritage Day.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event brought together administrative and traditional authorities, students, teachers, members of cultural associations, and local residents who came to discover or rediscover one of the major historical sites in the Zondoma province. Inscribed on the World Heritage List since July 5, 2019, the ancient iron metallurgy site of Kindibo stands as an important testament to the ancestral know-how of local communities in processing iron ore. The main parts of the event included several speeches, followed by a guided tour of the old mines, furnaces, and the village's traditional forge.
The President of the Special Delegation (PDS) of the Tougo commune, Boureima Souley, welcomed this initiative, which he believes contributes to preserving the history and cultural identity of local communities. "The promotion of our cultural heritage is an essential lever for local development and the transmission of values ??to younger generations. The Kindibo site deserves to be better known and protected," he stated.
He added that preserving historical sites also presents an opportunity to promote cultural tourism in the municipality. During the visit, participants witnessed a demonstration of traditional iron ore smelting, led by local blacksmiths. This hands-on experience allowed visitors to gain a better understanding of the ancestral techniques once used in iron production.
The representative of the blacksmiths' family, Mamoudou Ou©draogo, expressed his satisfaction with the interest shown in this heritage passed down from generation to generation. "Our ancestors left us precious knowledge. Today, we are happy to see young people and visitors taking an interest in this history and our craft," he said.
For the president of the Association of Friends for the Protection and Enhancement of World Heritage Sites (2A-PAM), Balouzola Ars¨ne Dah, this activity aims above all to raise awareness among the population about the importance of the conservation of cultural property. "Our ambition is to create a framework for exchange and education around world heritage in order to further involve communities in its sustainable protection," explained the association's president. Beyond its cultural aspect, the event also aims to be a learning space for schoolchildren and young people in the community, according to the organizers. Artistic performances and exchanges with custodians of traditional knowledge also punctuated the day in a friendly atmosphere.
The organizers concluded by calling on authorities, partners, and communities to strengthen efforts to preserve and promote historical sites in Burkina Faso. Located in the commune of Tougo, the village of Kindibo, home to this rich heritage, is approximately 30 km east of the town of Gourcy.