Porlwi . Port Louis, Mauritius. An Archaeological History of a Tropical City
The objective of the archaeological-topographic project in Port Louis is to reconstruct the city’s various phases of construction using a cutting-edge GIS (Geographical Information System) platform. This platform will integrate historical data, topographic surveys (including historic houses, public buildings, and infrastructure), and information on the social uses of urban spaces.
The project aims to analyze the urban development of Port Louis by mapping the existing historical buildings, creating 3D reconstructions, performing typological classifications of wooden structures, and conducting masonry archaeological analyses of stone buildings.
Through this comprehensive approach, the study will document the interactions and negotiations among different political and social groups that played fundamental roles in shaping this unique tropical city.
Adopting a global and multicultural perspective, the project seeks to go beyond the traditional notion of colonial city founded and developed solely by ruling powers. Instead, it will examine how various communities adapted to and shaped this cosmopolitan space. These groups include enslaved people, ex-slaves, free individuals, laborers, artisans, sailors, merchants, officials, and military personnel, all originating from diverse geographic regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, India, Europe, and China. The analysis will explore how these communities, with their distinct urban (and non-urban) cultures and religions, contributed to the dynamic and layered development of Port Louis .
Keywords
post-colonial archaeology, case creole, historical architecture, historical masonry, urban development, GIS and Historical GIS, slavery, creole society, indentured labourers
Foreword, Italian Ambassador in Pretoria
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Foreword, Italian Consul in Mauritius
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Foreword, Chairperson National Heritage Fund, Mauritius
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Foreword, Chairperson AGTF, Mauritius
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