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Cultural HeritageVisit of the Civilizations Museum of Côte d’Ivoire

Visit of the Civilizations Museum of Côte d’Ivoire

The holidays give us the opportunity to pay a visit to the Civilizations Museum of Côte d’Ivoire, formerly called the National Museum of Abidjan.

The Civilizations Museum of Côte d’Ivoire is located in the heart of the Ivorian capital, more precisely in the administrative district called the plateau. Its beginnings date back to 1942, that is to say the colonial era, under the reign of Governor Hubert Deschamps. He opens a craft center to accommodate craftsmen. This center took the name of Centrifan in 1944 and is attached to the Fundamental Institute of Black Africa (IFAN). In 1972, it was renamed the National Museum of Abidjan before finally taking the name Civilizations Museum of Côte d’Ivoire under the direction of Professor Georges Niangoran-Bouah in 1994.

Amangui Guy Stéphane, guide-interpreter

Upon entering, we are greeted by an elephant head, the symbol of the country. Our guide, Mr. Guy Stéphane Amandji, leads us with mastery through the route of the exhibition entitled Prides, symbols and identity. It is organized into seven (7) themes: public speaking, social life, political life, economy, royalty, archeology and art, invention and technology.

Attié’s age class drum

This tour introduces us to artefacts chosen from among the 15,000 objects that make up the institution. Explanatory texts, written by university professors and researchers, provide visitors with the knowledge necessary for understanding the history of civilizations in Côte d’Ivoire. The scenography is enriched by screens which broadcast informative comments and elements of intangible heritage. All this demonstrates a “cultural potential which positions the museum both as a crossroads of the country’s arts and a bridge between the Côte d’Ivoire of yesterday and that of today”, underlines the director of the establishment, Ms. Silvie Memel Kassi.

Basketry objects

Ultimately, an educational and fun visit that is worth the detour.

F.T.T.

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Africa Museum is an encyclopedic digital platform dedicated to the arts and cultural heritage of Africa and the African diasporas in all their components and in all their manifestations.

Phone: 819/640-9287
info@museeafrica.com

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