Jenieri village in Kiang West District, Lower River Region (LRR), has established a village museum project.

The project is part of series of activities geared towards preserving and protecting our rich and cherished traditional and cultural norms and values, especially those found in the village.

Jenieri is widely known for its rich cultural heritage for centuries now. It is believed that the village is a 'Soninkey' settlement; thus predominantly inhabited by 'Soninkey' people up to date. Jenieri was once. According to historians, the village fell at the hands of Foday Kaba Dumbuya - a renowned religious figure,a 'jihadist' in 18th to 19th century. The village was in siege by Foday Kaba Dumbuya, and his warlords for about 12 good  months and built a camp there. During this period, nobody was either allowed in or out of the village.

Saikouba Ceesay, founder and coordinator of the Jenieri village museum, in a recent chat with the Arts and Culture, spoke at length on the museum project, the historic religious war waged on the village by Foday Kaba Dumbuya, the impact of the war on the village and the subsequent disposal of village items into two big wells within the village.

On their departure [Foday Kaaba and his men], the villagers disposed all their items into two of the big wells dug by Foday Kaba and his men. The villagers' decision was in line with traditions of 'Soninkey' people. "Of recent we dug one of the wells and found numerous items in it; such as cooking utencils, guns, bow and arrows, rings among others," he explained with passion and precision.

According to the village museum coordinator, these items will be displayed in the museum. He added that the museum once completed will serve as a research centre, tourist attraction, historic site and would also create employment opportunities for youths of the village thus reduce rural urban-migration.

"We are working closely with the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) towards successful implementation of the museum project. The NCAC has provided us with a lead consultant, who had finished his findings in a report for implementation. Lack of fund for implementation is the main problem. We therefore appeal to government of The Gambia, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), private sector and individual philanthropists for assistance" he impolred.

Those interested to render support to this museum project can dial 9983312 or better still contact the NCAC.