Inventaire des pierres sacrées de la région de Kirimiro Sud au Burundi

Abstract

The present research focuses on the inventory of sacred stones in the Kirimiro South region of Burundi, in a context where their heritage value remains little known, insufficiently protected, and weakly integrated into sustainable development initiatives. It seeks to answer the following question: how can the knowledge, protection, and valorization of the sacred stones of the Kirimiro South region contribute to sustainable development in Burundi? More specifically, the study examines their identification, symbolic meanings, associated traditions, and potential for valorization. To achieve these objectives, a qualitative approach was adopted. It combines documentary research, interviews with key informants, direct observation, and site visits. Furthermore, two theoretical frameworks were mobilized to analyze and interpret the data collected, namely the theory of heritage-making (patrimonialization) and stakeholder theory. The results reveal a diversity of sacred stones present across the 13 megalithic sites identified in the study. These sacred stones have religious, cultural, historical, social, economic, and political-legal functions. More specifically, some stones are associated with fertility, healing, prosperity, justice, and conflict resolution. Moreover, these stones constitute spaces of memory and serve as supports for cultural representations within local communities. However, agricultural activities, construction, and socio-religious transformations threaten their preservation. Thus, the inventory conducted provides a foundation for their protection, transmission, and valorization from the perspective of sustainable development and the promotion of cultural tourism in Burundi.