Restricted Technical Report RP/1986-1987/Xl.1.3 SOMALI

DEMOC RATE REPUBLIC International technical co-operation and advisory services for the preservation of the cultural heritage

txcavation of Shangani Mosque - Museum Development and Antiquities Preservation

by Lutfi A. Khalil

Serial No. FMWCC/CH/86/135

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Paris, 1986

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by Lutfi A. Khalil

Report prepared for .the Goverrment of the Scmali Denocratic Republic by the United Mations %ducaticnal, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Une sc a)

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U N E S C O

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Technical Fleport RP/1986-1987/XI.l. 3 FEi/CC/CE/85/15 5 (Kha lil )

0 Unesco 1283 Printed in France

25 JWE 1986

Table of Contents

Page

I - INTRODUCTION

I1 - MAIN FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

Excavation of Shangani Mosque

Regional Museum

National Museum

I11 - RECOMMENDATIONS

Shangani Mosque

Regional Museum

National Museum

Antiquities Development

List of Illustrations

Plans

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2:

3:

Plates

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2:

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5: 6 :

Section B-B and top view

Section A-A and plan

Section D-D and section C-C

The site before the work was started

The site after cleaning

Naskhi script, showing the date of the reconstruction of the mosque

The site at the end of the mission

Sherds of plain pottery .

Sherds of glazed pottery and shells

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Appendix: List of Persons Consulted 15

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I. INTRODUCTION

1. The mission described in the present report was carried out from 25 March to 9.April 1986, at the request of the Government of the Somali Democratic Republic, and was funded by Unesco under its Regular Programme for 1986-1987. The objectives of the mission were as.follows:

. TO examine the archaeological remains of the ancient Mosque of Shangani in Mogadishu, and to suggest the necessary scientific action to be taken by the Ministry of Culture and Higher Education (MCHE).

. To advise on training needs in archaeology and museology.

. To examine the facilities available at the Regional Museum (RM) and the National Museum (NM) and Antiquities Service, and to suggest re-organization or improvements where necessary.

2. During the period of the mission, the consultant held meetings and discus- sions on the objectives of the mission with members of the Ministry and other people concerned (see Appendix).

3. At the same time, the consultant frequently visited the excavations at the site, initiated digging and carried out recording, drawing and photography, and advised on future requirements. He also visited and studied both museums, examining buildings, collections, display methods, conservation, staff and equipment. He took part in a one-day tour of the-ancient mosques in Mogadishu and he participated in a meeting of the Somalia Academy-of Science and Arts (SOMAC) on antiquities, where he was consulted on artefacts purchased for the new museum.

4. In addition, the consultant delivered a general lecture 'Archaeology and Museology' to the students of the Department of History at the Faculty of Education of the National University of Somalia.

Previous Unesco missions

5. Prior to his visit, five consultants visited Somali to assist in different fields of archaeology, museology, preservation and conservation, as follows:

i. Mr Barrie Reynolds, 'Museum development', serial No. WS/0566, 24-CLT, April 1966.

ii. Dr Nazimuddin Ahmed, 'A general survey and plan for the preservation and presentation of cultural heritage', serial No. FMR/CC/CH/77/309 (Rev.), March 1978.

iii. Mr Paul Cole-King, 'Museum organization', serial No. FMR/CC/CH/79/130, April 1979.

iv. Professor Merrick Posnansky, 'Museum and antiquities development', serial No. FMR/CC/CH/79/129, April 1979.

v. Miss Alexandra Trone, 'Aspects of conservation at the National Museum', serial No. FMR/CC/CH/79/128, April 1979.

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11. MAIN FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

Excavation of Shangani Mosque

6. Mogadishu was an important port during the Islamic period. It was visited by the Arab traveller Ibn Buttuta in 1331 A.D. Also, it is mentioned

Countries). Some of the few surviving Islamic monuments in Mogadishu have been modernized for present-day usage. These monuments are located near the sea-shore in the Hamarwein and Shangani areas, such as Minasa,t Abdul Aziz, Arba Rukn Mosque, Fakhr-eddin Mosque and Jumah Mosque.1

. by Yakut Al-Rumi (known as Al-Hamawi) in Mu'jam Al-Buldan (Lexicon of

7. In the course of digging the foundations of a mihrab for a new mosque in the Shangani area, the remains of an ancient mosque were discovered, located in the old sector of the city about 300 metres from the sea-shore. The workmen exposed the plastered walls of the mosque in an area measuring about 6 x 2 metres. Also, three square columns were exposed, as well as the mihrab orientated towards the north-west (towards Mecca). The first (upper) plaster floor was completely destroyed in the excavated area, as well as the archaeological data. The second plaster floor was exposed at a depth of about 3 metres from the surface. Also, a circular feature was excavated underneath the foundations of the ancient mihrab, where a small area of the third plaster floor was exposed. The wall of the mosque shows that many layers of plaster were subsequently added.

8. A Swedish archaeologist, Mr Anders Broberg, of the Central Board of National Antiquities of Sweden, with the assistance of Mr Ahmed Dualleh Jama of SQMAC, examined the site. Pottery sherds, bones and samples were taken to Sweden for analysis and study.

9. The site is located in a heavily populated area, traversed to the north by a narrow path; houses are built on the west and east sides; the building of the new mosque is located on the south side. When the consultant first visited the site, rubbish and stones had been dumped into the excavated area from the neighbourhood (Plate 1).

10. It was difficult to start work due to lack of safety measures. Therefore, ropes and blocks of cement were positioned between the excavated area and the road in order to prevent people from approaching the site too closely. In addition, warning signs written in Somali were erected.

11. The mosque was first documented by photography and detailed measurements of the rnihrab, niche, window, columns, etc. were taken. (See plan and sections A-A, B-B and C-C in Figures 1-3) The site was cleaned (Plate 2) and a probe trench measuring 3 x 1.50 metres was disposed in the central area, located opposite the mihrab and between two columns. The upper plaster layer was exposed in the section as a result of previous excavations. .

12. The first soil layer (locus 1) excavated was grey-yellowish, loose and ashy. Many pottery sherds and bones, as well as shells, were found. Locus 2 was darker and harder than locus 1. The third layer (locus 3) was lying on the top of the plaster floor and was dark-grey, wet and very rich in bones. However, the three layers seem to be of the same period and represent a fill to level up the floor of the mosque. This last phase is actually dated by a manuscript which was found on the top layer by the workmen, written on wood

1. Nazimuddin Ahmed; 10-14.

in Naskhi 3c~ipt, and containing a text of the Holy Koran. The date of the reconstruction of the mosque is easily read: 1243 Hejri: 1827 A.D. (Plate 3).

13. Towards the end of the mission the first plaster layer was found in the probe trench at a.depth of 1.60 metres. It has been recommended to SOMAC that more of this plaster floor should be exposed and preserved to show the different stages,of usage of the mosque (Plate 41..

14. Two types of pottery sherds were found in the three excavated loci (no complete vessels were found). The first type is locally made (Plate 5) with incise decoration, while the second type is glazed with 8ome painted decoration (Plate 6). There is no established pottery typology in Somalia, but the glaze pottery is more likely to have been imported from Central Asia, where there were centres for the production of glazed pottery in the 14th century A.D. Also, it is known that Mogadishu was engaged in trade relations with many countries including China and India. Nevertheless, it seems that the mosque was first founded prior to the 14th century A.D. The pointed arch of the niche and the shape of the mihrab have parallels in other ancient mosques in Mogadishu. Therefore, the 12th century A.D. is an appropriate date for the first period of use of the mosque.

15. There are two museums in Mogadishu: the old one which used to be called 'National Museum', and the new one, the name of which has not yet been decided. The consultant was told that SOMAC is planning to change the name of the old museum to the 'Regional Museum' and to call tQe new one 'National Museum', which nomenclature have been used throughout this report.

Regional Museum (RM)

16. Various Unesco reports discuss different aspects of the museum such as: building, staff, objects on display, and storage, and also recommended that the museum should be developed by staff training, changes in methods of display and the establishment of conservation and photographic laboratories. There is no need to repeat the description of the situation of the RM, and it is not necessary to reprint recommendations of previous consultants, but a few further points have been noted in paragraphs 20-25.

National Museum (NM)

17. The consultant was informed that this new museum will be opened in October 1986. It is located in the city centre of Mogadishu near the National Library and SOMAC. The building was planned as a museum. It is oval in plan and is built on four floors.

18. Different sizes of new wooden show cases are placed on the ground and first floors. . . There is enough space to display the present collection and extra space is available for new departments or activities to be established. The museum was designed to accommodate:

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- a Gallery of Ethnography on the ground floor (west wing)

- a Gallery of Archaeology and Anthropology on the ground floor (east wing)

- a Gallery of Militaria and Armour on the first-floor

The second and the third floors are empty. A recommendation was made to establish an 'Educational and Children's Museum.' on the second floor, and an 'Art Gallery' for works of art such as drawings and crafts on the third floor e

19. During the mission the consultant discussed with the museum staff the different aspects of arranging and displaying artefacts.

111. RECOMMENDATIONS

A. Shangani Mosque

20. It seems that the Mosque is the oldest known Islamic monument in Mogadishu, and therefore merits being preserved and presented as a tourist attraction for the city. This could be accomplished by:

i. keeping parts of the three plaster floors as terraces to show the different stages of usage of the mosque;

ii. building a barrier aroknd the site in order to keep it clean, as well as for the safety of the residents of the area;

iii. covering the whole site with a shelter of corrugated translucent plastic sheets to prevent rain from falling into the excavated area. If this protection is not provided, damage would not only be caused to the ancient plaster layers and the masque, but also to the foundations of the houses and the new mosque. The shelter could be attached to a strong metal frame, anchored on three sides to the ground and fixed on the fourth side to the roof of the new mosque, providing a rain slope to the north;

iv )

V)

vi )

building a channel in the north part of the ancient mosque, to enable water to be taken far away from the site;

opening a door on the east side of the whole site, which would prevent visitors from encroaching on the preserved plaster floors and other parts of the building;

employing a guard to open.and close the doors for visitors when necessary, and to superintend the site generally;

vii) installing the site with electricity to provide light when necessary;

viii)locating sign posts on the main streets of the city to direct visitors to the site. An information panel should be set up near the entrance of the Mosque to describe and explain the history of the building. A pamphlet would be useful for more detailed information. Local and international languages should be used for these items.

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B. Regional Museum

21. The Regional Museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Mogadishu, in a castle built by the Sultan of Oman in the 19th century A.D. It was later used by the' Italians for administration purposes, and in 1933-1934, the building came to be used as a museum.

22. The major problem is that the roof is weak and lets in rain water. It has been repaired in the past, about five times, using cement. This has caused the roof to become heavy, creating great stress on the old wooden ce.iling. A thick, light cover such as plastic sheets is suggested to cover the whole roof as a temporary solution. A strong and light construction material could be used on the roof as a more permanent measure.

23. Most of the material displayed in the RM is ethnographic. A few items of armour and military uniform are also displayed, together with the more strictly archaeological objects. These should be transferred to the newly established museum, leaving the RM as an ethnographic collection.

24. There is a need to reorganize the collections in new show cases according to subject, and labels should be included with the displayed artefacts.

25. There is neither a conservation nor a photographic laboratory, both of which are essential.

26. There is a need for humidity and temperature control in the museum and in the library, where a collection of important books is housed.

C. National Museum

27. The entrance: The main entrance of the museum provides no special facil- ities for disabled people; such facilities are essential. Lifts are neces-. sary for disabled people, and for the transport of heavy objects from one floor to another.

28. Key map: A key map should be placed near the main entrance showing the position of the different galleries. Direction and display signs for the various exhibits are necessary to guide visitors around the museum. An information desk would also help for this purpose.

29. Security: There are four doors on the ground floor of the building. For reasons of security, three of these should be blocked off, leaving only one.

30. The collection. There is a good collection of ethnographic and military materials for display, but there is a shortage of archaeological and anthro- pological artefacts. This can only be increased by promoting archaeological activities (see following pages). The selective purchase of objects for display should be encouraged.

31. Display. Different materials should be displayed in various galleries of the museum according to either date or subject. Labels written in Somali and other international languages should be associated with the displayed materials. An interior museum designer is urgently needed to assist with display.

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3'2. Illustration. Maps, photographs and other illustrations should accompany the displayed artefacts where necessary.

33. The environment. Humidity and temperature must be controlled inside the museum. The windows are wide, so that enough light is admitted to the show cases, but ultra-violet rays must be controlled, so that no damage is done to the organic materials. Different materials in the show cases must have special environmental control according to their requirements.

34. Staff: Fifty-eight people work in the museum, headed by Mr A. Farah who graduated from the NUS with a B.A. in History; subsequently, he trained in Italy and the USA in archaeology and museology. Some of the other employees are qualified, and some of these should be sent abroad for more education and training.

35. Publicity and activities: The museum needs to become a dynamic unit. A programme for school children to visit the museum should be arranged. Pamphlets about the museum should be distributed to schools, hotels and other public places. With regard to the media, television, radio and newspapers should make special announcements and advertise the museum activities.

36. As already mentioned, an educational and children's museum could be estab- lished on the second floor, as well as a museum for Somali arts and crafts on the third floor.

D. Antiquities development

37. There are many archaeological sites in Somalia known to local and foreign scholars. More scientific research is needed to promote archaeological ac- tivities in order to discover more ancient sites and to enrich the museums' collections.

38. A Department of Antiquities should be established, and such an organiz- ation should grow out of the museums. Its main responsibilities would be as follows :

i. to encourage foreign institutions to excavate and explore archaeological sites in the country. The consultant agrees with Professor M. Posnansky that the foreign expeditions should work under the proviso that they fulfil the require- ments mentione-d in his report, pages 12-1.3;

ii. to establish an Antiquities Law. A team of experts in archaeology, museology and law could work together and pro- pose an Antiquities Law. This Law would be approved by the Somali Government, and its application would be the respon- sibility of the Department of Antiquities;

iii. to plan a three-year development programme for antiquities. A government committee would inspect and evaluate the progress of the programme every six months;

iv. to institute a week as 'National Week of Somali Antiquities'. Scholars with interest in archaeology of the area would parti- cipate. Exhibition lectures would be given, also, the media could play a.role in covering the events of this week;

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V.

vi.

to establish a society such as 'Friends of Somali Archaeology'. Influential and interested people would become members of. this society;

to establish a rescue team for salvage excavations. Develop- ment of civilization in some parts of Somalia, like the capital for instance, is rapid. Such development without archaeological planning causes damage to the country's heritage. For example, on the last day of the consultant's stay, and in the course of digging for constructing sewerage in Mogadishu, an ancient building was discovered.

Education

39. The consultant met the Head of the Department of History of the NUS College of Education. A Minor in Archaeology has been suggested for the Dep.artment of History. In. addition to the two existing courses of 'Intro- duction to Archaeqlogy', other courses could be taught such as: History of Art, Theory of Archaeology, Archaeology of Somalia and Archaeology of Eastern Africa. Visiting professors could teach in the Department for a few years until local scholars returned from abroad.

Staff education and training

40. Some members (Bachelors of Art in History) could be sent abroad to study for higher degrees. On their return they would be useful members of the museum and the university establishments:

i. Miss Forkan Mallim Musal, Assistant Director of the National Museum, has a B.A. in History, and she is prepared to study for an M.A. in Islamic Archaeology.

ii. Mr Mohamad Hussein Deinali, Assistant Director of the National Museum, has B.Sc. in Physics, and would like to study for an M.Sc. in Archaeological Science, including conservation and preservation.

iii. Other candidates could be chosen to study for higher degrees in prehistoric archaeology,.anthropology (physical and social) and medieval archaeology.

41. Training: Previous Unesco consultants recommended staff training and recruitment in their reports. Few of the present employees in the museums are trained.. Therefore, at staggered intervals candidates should be sent abroad for courses and training in: conservation of objects, photography, museum administration, interior design and excavation techniques.

SHANGANI MOSQUE

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Section B-B

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SHANGANI MOSQUE MOGADISHU - SOMALIA

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SHANGANI MOSQUE MOGADISHU-SOMALIA

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Section 0-0

$- 290 I +280 - $- 290

Section C-C

Arch. R a'ouf Sh . K houry May 1986 Fig. 3

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I 1. The site before the work wa8,started.

.2. The site after cleaning,

Plate 1

Plate 2

Plate 3

3. Naskhi script, showing date of reconstruction of the Mosque

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4. The site at the end of the mission

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Sherds of plain pottery.

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Sherds of glazed pottery and shells.

Plate 4

Plate 5

Plate 6

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APPENDIX

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List of Persons Consulted

Mr Yusuf Abdi Ibrahim - Deputy Minister of MCHE.

Mrs Mirim Farah - President of the Somali Academy of Sciences and Arts ( SOMAC 1 .

Mr Ali Dirie - Director of Administration of SOMAC.

Mr Musa Ali Maa'lesh - Executive Secretary of MCHE.

Mr Ahmad Dualeh Jama - SOMAC: Archaeology project co-ordinator.

Mr Ali Ahmed Hussien - SOMAC: The acting director of the RM.

Mr Ahmad Farah - SOMAC: Director of the NM.

Professor Ahmad Mohmad Al-Qadi - Head of the Department of History: National University of Somalia (NUS).