Architectural and Archaeological Studies at Ile de la Passe, Mauritius
   The project at Ile de la Passe is concerned with the archaeology, architecture and conservation of an historic islet. The extensive survey of the standing monuments, structures and other remains was initiated by the National Heritage Trust Fund (NHFT), now the National Heritage Fund (NHF), in 2002. The cutting back of vegetation and clearance of blown sand is revealing hidden features, while targeted excavation (Fig. 1)is resolving specific problems of chronology, examining relationships between structures and features, and shedding light on aspects of everyday life of troops garrisoned on the islet.

The Research Site
   Ile de la Passe (Fig. 2) guards the main entrance through the coral reef into Grand Port at the south-east of Mauritius. Control of this coral islet was the key to control of the Indian Ocean from the early 18th century until 1810. The islet, pivotal in the last Napoleonic naval victory over the British, the "Battle of Grand Port" celebrated on the Arc de Triumph, boasts some of the most impressive surviving examples of early modern French military architecture in the southern hemisphere. Later British military installations are of considerable importance for the heritage of Mauritius and of interest to students of colonial history.

NHF Liaison Officer

Jayshree Mungur

Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund, Port Louis, Mauritius

e-mail: jayni11@rediffmail.com

Yann von Arnim, Underwater Archaeology and advisor on artefact conservation.

Owen Griffiths, Identification of Organic Material.

Kurt Springs, Field Assistant, Doctoral Student, University of Buffalo.

Natalie Summers, Archaeological Assistant, underwater and terrestrial.

Team 1(17 to 31 January): Stephanie Green, Karl Kirk, John Louson, Trudy Louson,

Alexandra Nicol, Dominique-Emma Wauters, George Wiess and Maria Wyrasek.

Team 2 (1 to 14 August): Christina Benson, David Denton, Jack Holmes, Margaret  Holms,

Rosemary Jones and Donald Lee.

Team 3 (15 to 28 August): Bradley Braun, Leslie Davis.

Aylin Agar and Cigdem Ozkan

Noël Siver

   In January trips to Ile de la Passe were organised by Dr. Vijaya Teelock, Head of the the Department of History and Political Science at the University of Mauritius, thereby providing the opportunity for 33 students accompanied by Cultural Anthropologist Maya de Salle Essoo and Museologist Corinne Forest, to visit and participate over the two weeks of fieldwork. In August we were delighted that six students, Pavisha Beedasy, Meera Dhookeea, Amreen Rambocus, Sheetal Soobron, Musheera Abdool Rahman-Saumtally, Tiwari Luxmidevi and Sofia Raszy, participated in the project as part of a course on Archaeology and Heritage Studies. We should also note the enthusiasm of Ram Singh who, beyond his responsibility of driving the University bus, was always willing to help in the field.

   Participation of Mauritian volunteers is particularly encouraged because it is a crucial means of disseminating the importance of Cultural Heritage both within and beyond Mauritius. Among those who joined the team are Aurélie Antoine, Céline Baissac, Gabriel McGregor, Philippe la Hausse de Lalouvière, Hervé Henry, Jean-Philippe Kervern and family, Edouard Labat, Van G. Lanza, Sarojini Nosib, Christopher Rogers, Manuela Rogers, Michele Smith, Tania Smith and Pamela Summers.

   Workmen were employed to clean up the islet, to clear vegetation, to help with emergency conservation measures and with heavy excavation work and backfilling.

Jean Claude Farla and his crew assure, in calm or rough seas, a safe trip (Fig. 3).

   We welcomed many groups of visitors (Fig. 4) during the 2005 campaign at Ile de la Passe. The NHF Director, Dr. Musleem Jumeer, accompagnied by two NHF Board Members, Mr. Amourdon and Mr. Soobrattee, visited the islet in January. The group also included students R. Neemajee and Y. Kareembaccus from Hamilton College, K.S. Muazzam and R. Lawthan from the Islamic Cultural College, and J- L and E. Veerapen from Bhujoharry College.
   It was a pleasure to welcome Paul and Georgina Corson, Jean-Luc Mure (French Attaché for Co-operation) and Roseline Rivoire, and stimulating to host our colleagues, Dr Vijaya Teelock, Prof. Richard Allen and researchers Brindah Annasawmy, Brian Chung and Simila Ramlogan, from the Aapravasi Ghat Project.
   Other groups of visitors included Prithiviraj Nosib (National History Museum), Ravi Bhootooa (Frederik Hendrik Museum), Rupear Vikash (Museum Council), Dilshaad Balbolia (Ministry of Arts and Culture), Ruth Bone and Martine Goder (conservation volunteer and Nurseries Supervisor, Mauritian Wild Life Foundation).
   It was also our pleasure, in spite of a daunting August rough sea, to take to the islet, Dominique Lapierre, Bruno Letimier, Thérese Pilot and Jean Bernard Théodorine from the Mauritius Commercial Bank as well as Danielle Babet-Chavrimootoo, Alain Huron, Sandrine Julien and David Martial from the Blue Penny Museum.
   On the final day of the campaign (Fig. 5), an enthusiastic group of 36 students accompanied by Vanessa Seebaluck, Jodi Naidoo, Ranjini Naidoo and Manond Jagai, from the University of Technology, Mauritius, made a memorable visit.
   Various articles appeared in the media after reporters and photographers came to the islet. Groups included Mardaymootoo Sooben from Le Matinal, Aline Groëme, Daniel Marie, Nicholas Rainer, Diane Henry, Ludovic Ah-Yu and Guillaume Gouges from I'Express and Jean Claude Antoine from the Week End.