Reimagining Zimbabwe’s Heritage in the Post-colonial Era: Navigating the Efforts and Challenges in Decolonizing the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Science (1980–2024)

Abstract

This article examines the efforts made by the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences (ZMHS) to decolonize its activities. It highlights the inherent complexities and challenges that hinder the transformation of a traditionally colonial institution into a site of cultural empowerment. The museum’s history of colonialism has left a lasting impact on its collections, exhibitions, and practices. Since gaining independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has endeavored to redefine its cultural identity and contest the dominant narratives imposed during the colonial era. The museum has aimed to incorporate oral histories, indigenous knowledge systems, and alternative narratives to provide a more comprehensive and accurate portrayal of Zimbabwe’s diverse history and culture. Despite these initiatives, decolonizing the museum space remains challenging due to factors such as funding limitations and the delicate balance between the preservation and reinterpretation of artifacts. Information presented in this paper was gathered from in-depth discussions with museum personnel, heritage specialists, museum visits, and desktop research.