Malian Music Under the Conflict Reflectors. Stakes and Virtues of a « heritage in danger »

In 2012, at the outbreak of an armed conflict in Northern Mali, the destruction of ancient libraries, mausoleums, musical instruments, and the attacks on musicians made by groups recognized as “Islamists” received ample media attention claiming the value of a “heritage in danger” (UNESCO). This presentation analyses such conflict spectacularization practices and underlines some controversies surrounding the ideal of collective heritage. To that end, some projects of re-composition of traditions as well as rehabilitation of heritage and reconstruction of musical identities promoted by national and international institutions and broadcasted by international media will be described. Certain critical aspects of heritage representations will be evoked, as well as the roles given to music in the projections of the conflict on the global arena and in the making of an ideal of peace.