Objectives
The Naa Yiri de Kokologho is the palace of Naaba Kaongo. This residence, built by his father in 1942, comprises two main parts: the Palace itself and a large traditional concession made up of huts. The architecture of the Na Yiri, which reflects both Mossi cultures and colonial influences, bears witness to the evolution of Mossi society over the course of the 20th century. However, it includes all the spaces and attributes necessary for the Naaba to play his role as chief and mediator in society.
It is still managed in the traditional way, with the involvement of the populations of the villages dependent on the Naaba. Each village contributes to the upkeep of the palace and its adjoining concession, by helping to maintain it. This task is carried out collectively, and provides an opportunity for all the communities to get together during a major festival. However, changes in society are making it increasingly difficult to organize the festival. Tourist operators wishing to organize visits to the site are another form of threat, as visitors risk disrupting the rhythm of the practices and ceremonies taking place at the palace.
Project activities focused on the organization and management of the palace, to facilitate maintenance work and ensure that new activities such as tours fit harmoniously into the traditional life of the palace. Numerous meetings between palace managers, heritage experts and tourism operators have enabled a schedule of visits to be drawn up that does not disrupt traditional ceremonies. At the same time, a promotional strategy has been put in place to ensure that the palace's role is better understood. A booklet and postcards have been produced, generating income to facilitate maintenance. The project has also installed a water pump in front of the palace to solve water access problems. This pump is used during construction work and facilitates the production of the traditional beer consumed during festivals. The pump is also available to local residents all year round, saving them long journeys.
Results
- Restoration of the Na-yiri roof and strengthening of the traditional conservation system,
- Setting up a tour circuit and interpretation system,
- Establishment of a mechanism enabling the Na-Yiri to benefit from funds generated by visits and the sale of by-products such as a brochure and postcards,
- Installation of solar lighting, a borehole and a manual water pump, for the benefit of local residents and the Naaba in the performance of his duties.
Partners
Naaba of Kokologho, Cultural Heritage Department, Africa 2009, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 5 Ouagadougou tour operators.
