Conserving and managing mosaics in Libya (CaMMiL): the final project review

Abstract

This is a review of a project aimed at assisting the Libyan Department of Archaeology with the conservation and management of their mosaic heritage. Over the course of a year we undertook an evaluation trip along the coast of Libya and then put on two workshops for the Department's staff to help build capacity. The workshops disseminated complementary content on the protection of mosaics and their management to two different contingents: managers and technicians. The teaching was intended to empower Libyans by giving them the confidence to make simple and sound decisions, and to encourage them to join more formal training courses run by major international organisations.

Libyan Antiquities at Risk: protecting portable cultural heritage

“…The Association of National Committees of the Blue Shield organised inspection tours of Libya's World Heritage Sites and major museums as soon as conditions permitted, revealing that damage had indeed been minimised (Kila 2013, 26–27). Subsequently, attention has focused on capacity building (Kane, this volume; Nebbia et al 2016; Wootton et al 2015) and remote monitoring of threats, as exemplified by the Endangered Archaeology Project (Bewley et al 2016). However, it also needs to be recognised that the destruction and damage to sites has been accompanied by an upsurge in looting and trafficking of Libya's portable heritage.…”