But a major exhibition that is currently on show across the North African country aims to prepare the ground for an “explosion” of archaeological activity once political stability has finally returned. But there is now a large backlog of restoration work, and the task of reorganising archaeological catalogues is “colossal”, Musso says. Developing stronger partnerships will help create more sustainable archaeological traditions in the country, Musso says, adding that greater international cooperation between country-specific missions is also required. But Musso suggests that “the moment the country opens up there will be an explosion of [archaeological] work”. “The days when you parachuted in for a restoration project and then said ‘bye bye’ are gone,” Musso says.

Source: Libya Today February 18, 2022 01:13 UTC