Mali is heir to a remarkable heritage, composed of an assortment of natural and cultural treasures, both tangible and intangible; it constitutes not only a wealth of knowledge and experience that has been accumulated over the generations, but also an essential aspect of cultural identity for the different communities throughout the country. In spite of its importance, the future of this heritage (its preservation, valorization, and integration into the process of national development) is threatened by numerous factors, including the pillage of archaeological sites and even effects of globalization.

With respect to archaeology, Mali is unquestionably one of the most richly endowed countries in all of West Africa. Studies conducted for a little over a century by both national and foreign researchers have yielded important information about the country's past, unearthing the existence of cultures and civilizations that were previously either unknown or attributed to an external origin or stimulus.