How Is Authenticity Perceived in the Management of African World Heritage Sites? The Case of World Heritage Sites in Mali

Mali has four sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: the Ancient Cities of Djenné and Timbuktu (1988), the Bandiagara Escarpment (1989) and the Tomb of Askia (2004). These sites include monumental earthen buildings, some of which date back to the 2nd-3rd century BCE, such as the archaeological site of Djenné-Djéno. This chapter examines how different stakeholders (local communities, heritage professionals, visitors) perceive and interpret the authenticity of these sites. The analysis reveals a notable discrepancy between the institutional definition of authenticity and its understanding by local communities. The study demonstrates that the authenticity of African earthen architectural heritage is not limited to material criteria (form, materials, substance), but is deeply rooted in intangible practices and regenerative building cultures. This holistic approach to authenticity, which emphasises sociocultural and spiritual dimensions, sometimes conflicts with contemporary aspirations for modern urban development, creating major challenges for the sustainable conservation of these living sites.