The dysfunctional copy: “Mali Magic,” loss and the digital remake of the Timbuktu archive

The Timbuktu archive, long associated with narratives of heritage in peril, reveals that its preservation is deeply intertwined with a history of loss and remaking. While digitization efforts have gained prominence due to recent threats—such as the 2012 rebel takeover—this study highlights how copying has been a traditional and generative mode of preservation and knowledge production for centuries. It examines the physical anatomy of manuscripts, colonial plunder, and post-independence archival reconstitution, underscoring that loss is not merely destructive but also constitutive of the archive's identity. The research approach combines historical analysis with critical reflection on digitization, challenging its status as a definitive solution while acknowledging its potential for both preservation and new forms of knowledge dissemination.

Molins Lliteras, S. (2024). The dysfunctional copy: “Mali Magic,” loss and the digital remake of the Timbuktu archive. Social Dynamics, 50(1), 43–59. https://doi.org/10.1080/02533952.2024.2320551