The Zanzibar Antiquities

This division of the department deals with conservation of historical monuments and sites of Zanzibar spreading all over the Islands, and it conducts and administers archaeological research.  There is a legislation to protect and conserve historical sites and monuments as well as other related sites, and to regulate and control research in the cultural heritage mandated to it.  Note that a separate body, STCDA stonetown@zanlink.com under the Zanzibar Ministry of Water, Construction, Energy and Lands, cares for conservation and development of the Zanzibar Old Town.

The Antiquities service has coordinated and administered several foreign archaeological research missions to Zanzibar.  It also participates, on behalf of the Department, in SAREC-Sida supported research Projects: the "Urban Origins Programme in Eastern Africa", "Human Response and Contribution to Environmental Change" and the "Urban Origins Follow-Up".  Mr. A. Juma, the chief officer-in-charge of this Division coordinates these projects.  He has focused his own research at the early site of Unguja Ukuu located in the southern part of the main Island of Zanzibar.   

Application to undertake Archaeological Research

The Zanzibar Ancient Monuments Preservation Decree of 1927 has been replaced by a new Antiquities legislation awaiting Presidential assent. It contains a section that regulates and controls archaeological research. According to the legislation, it is an offence to conduct any unlicensed archaeological search operations. A professional intending to undertake research is required to submit a written letter of application for a permit which is granted on conditions, and only after obtaining the general research clearance from the Zanzibar Chief Minister's office.

Finds from search operations must be surrendered to the Authority for storage and preservation. Export of the finds is prohibited and the research permit does not give the right to export. If considered necessary, the investigator shall apply for a special permit accompanied by the material and the documentation for examination at least some 6 days before the intended date of export. In the course of search operations or any other appropriate occasions, it is an offence for the investigator to deny a right of inspecting the material excavated and the assigned documentation to a person(s) appointed by the Authority.