JOURNAL ARTICLE

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

  • Published In: Collections: A Journal for Museum & Archives Professionals, 2026, v. 22, n. 1. P. 36 1 of 3

  • Database: Library & Information Science Source 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Mnkandla, Thubelihle Rejoyce; Zhou, Tariro; Nhunzvi, Jonathan; Mapiti, Shelvin Tapuwa; Mlambo, Portia 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences’ (ZMHS) efforts to decolonize its operations and exhibitions in the post-independence era. It outlines initiatives such as renaming the museum, incorporating indigenous knowledge, engaging local communities in heritage management, and revising exhibitions to reflect Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural history. However, challenges remain, including the continued display of human remains, limited linguistic representation in exhibit captions, static exhibitions that emphasize elite figures, and institutional constraints like funding shortages and entrenched power structures. The article emphasizes that full decolonization requires ongoing community dialogue, culturally sensitive protocols, and structural reforms to address colonial legacies in museum governance and interpretation.

Additional Information

  • Source:Collections: A Journal for Museum & Archives Professionals. 2026/03, Vol. 22, Issue 1, p36
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Politics and Government
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:15501906
  • DOI:10.1177/15501906251376640
  • Accession Number:191455681
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Collections: A Journal for Museum & Archives Professionals is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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