In recent years, the territory of southern Benin – historically a region of kingdoms and tribal migrations – has experienced significant urbanization. This urbanization has had a negative impact on the archaeological heritage contained within its cultural layers. Preventive archaeology is currently proposed as a measure to prevent the irreversible destruction of this cultural heritage; however, in the Republic of Benin, it remains underdeveloped. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the necessity of mandating preventive archaeology approaches and measures prior to any type of construction work, and to propose solutions for the preservation of archaeological heritage. In the Republic of Benin, Law No. 2021-09 for the protection of cultural heritage was adopted on October 22, 2021. Additionally, the framework law on environmental protection was adopted on January 12, 1999. However, these laws are not respected, and perpetrators of the destruction of historical and cultural heritage remain unpunished. The research area is located on the Abomey Plateau, which contains a large number of archaeological sites. Migrations of various socio-cultural groups took place here during different historical periods, including the Gedevi (or Yoruba), Za, Wemenu, Ksweda, and Akan peoples. Most archaeological sites are looted in order to resell artifacts to various antiquities collectors. The protection of archaeological sites and the preservation of the historical information they contain is a social necessity, as these sites constitute both a heritage and a shared resource for modern society and future generations. Such activities could be undertaken with the participation of the Ministry of Culture through the Department of Cultural Heritage, in collaboration with specialized institutes, schools, and faculties, including the National Institute of Arts, Archaeology and Culture, the African School of Heritage, and the Department of History and Archaeology at the University of Abomey-Calavi. The model of the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) may serve as a template for the creation of a Beninese institution responsible for conducting preventive archaeological work. The results of the study indicate that the destruction of archaeological sites in the cities of southern Benin is ongoing, and that legislation protecting the archaeological heritage is virtually absent.

Koudakpo Ismène Andréa, Postgraduate, Faculty of History Irkutsk State University 1, K. Marx st., Irkutsk, 664003, Russian Federation

Koudakpo I. A. Preventive Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Conservation in Southern Benin. Bulletin of the Irkutsk State University. Geoarchaeology, Ethnology, and Anthropology Series. 2025, Vol. 54, pp. 57–68. https://doi.org/10.26516/2227-2380.2025.54.57 (In Russ.)

Southern Benin, archaeological heritage, preservation of archaeological sites, preventive archaeology.

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