To collaboratively explore, protect, and celebrate the diverse cultural and natural heritage of Tanzania’s Mafia Archipelago, with and for its communities.

Mafia | Juani | Chole | Jibondo | Bwejuu | Shungumbili | Barakuni | Miewi | Nyororo

About the Alliance

MAHAlli is a first of its kind initiative focused on the maritime heritage of the Mafia Archipelago located off the coast of Tanzania. The alliance takes a holistic approach to the preservation of cultural heritage through studies in archaeology, environment, conservation, design, architecture, engineering, materials, and construction. Research undertaken by a multidisciplinary, multinational team focuses on the dynamic heritage of the Mafia Archipelago and its relationship to the broader cultural and ecological context of the East African coast from antiquity to the present. The archipelago’s heritage is a mosaic of influence from mainland East Africa and the diverse cultural and environmental contacts over millennia. This initiative therefore seizes the opportunity to establish ‘sustainable archaeology’ on the Mafia Archipelago where the preservation of heritage is sustainably harnessed for community development. The initiative has three primary objectives including Archeological Exploration, Analysis, and Preservation; Development of the Mafia Archipelago Maritime Institute; and the establishment of a Mafia Maritime Museum of Cultural and Natural Heritage.

  • Archeological Exploration, Analysis, and Preservation

    Beginning in July 2025, the objective of these archaeological explorations is geared towards the understanding and preservation of Mafia’s maritime heritage. To this end MAHAlli seeks to:

    ●  Establish long-term sustainable infrastructure and economic initiatives for ongoing archaeological research in the Mafia Archipelago
    ●  Deploy comprehensive training for local, regional, national, and international researchers engaging in archaeological research in the  Mafia Archipelago
    ●  Develop new, refine existing, and disseminate historical knowledge relating to the maritime heritage of  Mafia Archipelago.

  • Mafia Archipelago Maritime Institute

    Currently under development, the Mafia Archipelago Maritime Institute seeks to:

    ● Formalize the creation of an institute advisory group
    ●   Develop a sustainable long-term operational model for the institute
    ●  Create new and re-envision existing facilities and programs that support long-term engagement in teaching and research on Mafia Island
    ● Provide training for collection, curation, conservation, operations and more for community stakeholders to ensure sustainable long-term management of the museum and the material culture it houses.

  • Mafia Maritime Museum of Cultural and Natural Heritage

    The proposed Mafia Maritime Museum of Cultural and Natural Heritage will be developed as a not-for-profit institution in service to the communities of Mafia. The objectives of the museum development are as follows:

    ● Provide a physical and digital forum for education relating to Mafia’s cultural and ecological heritage for all age groups
    ● Create a venue to preserve, showcase, and monetize Mafia’s heritage in service to the Mafia community and local tourism development
    ● To provide a trusted local freely available ‘emergency service’ to identify, recover, and conserve priceless cultural heritage artifacts that may be discovered or naturally exposed due to storms, erosion, human development, etc.

MAHAlli Leadership

  • Dr. Alexandra Ratzlaff

    Brandeis University and Recanati Institute

  • Dr. Pastory Bushozi

    University of Dar es Salaam

  • Dr. Caesar Bita

    National Museums of Kenya

  • Dr. Bridget Buxton

    University of Rhode Island

  • Dr. Nathan King

    Virginia Tech, Harvard, and UPenn

MAHAlli Affiliates

  • National Museum of Tanzania

  • University of Dar es Salaam

  • National Museums of Kenya

  • Brandeis University

  • University of Rhode Island

  • Virginia Tech Center for Design Research

Contact and collaborate

MAHAlli is early phases of development. Please reach out for more information, support, and to get involved. We welcome inquiries from global institutions and organizations.

Email

nathanking@vt.edu