Exploring and Preserving the Islamic Manuscript Heritage of Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The chapter deals with the physical aspects of the Islamic manuscript heritage of sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on the Horn of Africa. Drawing on the current research projects, it classifies the typologies of books retrieved. A short codicological description highlights the specific features of the manuscripts produced in the sub-Saharan African regions and the aspects common to other Islamic codices. The most common damages affecting manuscripts are equally described based on their characteristics and the typology of collections in which the manuscripts are preserved, their present use and their storage. It also discusses the different approaches and aims of the research projects related to this heritage, from the digitizing and cataloguing campaigns to the projects specifically related to its preservation and conservation.