Use the "back" button of your browser to return to the list of abstracts.
JESUIT STRUCTURAL HERITAGES IN WEST GOJJAM, ETHIOPIA [Abstract ID: 0105-04]
West Gojjam is home for several aged monuments that preceded the ecclesiastical and secular Jesuit structures. However, these architectural heritages are not adequately studied, documented, and conserved; hence, most of them are found in ruins under fast deterioration that could totally demolish them before their cultural heritage significances are adequately assessed and exploited. This qualitative study, however, will try to give collective record, systematic description and analysis of these cultural heritages within the frame of local background history. Moreover, this research will emphasize on the assessment of cultural heritage values of the monuments and their current state of conservation, issues which were almost ignored by previous studies. Thus, eight monumental sites which comprise various structural remains of Jesuit residences, church, and bridge will be included in this study. The documentary research, oral tradition, and careful observation and recording of the physical fabric will provide valuable information about the monuments which will be descriptively analyzed to understand the nature of site selection and distribution, architectural features, construction materials, site use and structural alteration. Generally, although these monuments have aesthetic, historical, scientific, communal and economic values, they are on the verge of total destruction due to manmade and natural causes of deterioration. Thus, quick and appropriate conservation measures backed by further scientific studies are necessary to attain the above mentioned heritage values.