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Colonial statues in post-colonial Africa: a multidimensional heritage

Labadi, Sophia (2023) Colonial statues in post-colonial Africa: a multidimensional heritage. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 30 (3). pp. 318-331. ISSN 1352-7258. E-ISSN 1470-3610. (doi:10.1080/13527258.2023.2294738) (KAR id:104599)

Abstract

This paper employs the concept of multidimensional heritage to examine colonial statues in Africa since the era of independences through transna-tional, diachronic, and multi-thematical perspectives. Colonial statues are viewed as transnational phenomena, with a focus on the African conti-nent, emphasising the complex and evolving connections to former colo-nial powers in Europe. To capture the complexity of heritage uses, which is often best comprehended over an extended period, a diachronic approach is employed, and three periods are considered: colonial statues at independence (1950s to 1980); revival of (neo)colonial statues (1990s- 2000s) and renewed contestations (since the 2010s). The paper also delves into various ways in which the past is used and interpreted through colonial statues, discussing aspects such as public memory, identities, diplomacy, aid, and justice.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/13527258.2023.2294738
Uncontrolled keywords: Colonial statues; Africa; memory; heritage; international aid; Rhodes Must Fall
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Arts and Humanities > Department of Classical and Archaeological Studies
Funders: Fritz Thyssen Foundation (https://ror.org/00f3sc705)
Depositing User: Sophia Labadi
Date Deposited: 13 Jan 2024 13:39 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Feb 2024 14:38 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/104599 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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