Illicit trade in cultural goods lead to heritage impoverishment and social destabilization of rural communities in Mali, whose cultural richness contrasts with economic poverty. Cultural banks were born in this context, to link actions of conservation and promotion of local heritage and income-generating activities. This chapter demonstrates how, through long-term engagement based on reciprocity, archaeologists can contribute to meeting community needs in the domain of culture, which has long remained marginal in development policies. Our effort has focused on the creation and monitoring of a cultural bank at Dimbal (Dogon Country). Critical assessment and comparison with other similar structures shows the potential of this strategy.