Decolonizing African Art History in Angola: New Perspectives and Methodologies

Decolonizing African art history in Angola involves re-examining colonial influences on artistic practices and heritage. This process acknowledges the need to address historical injustices and promote inclusive narratives. The methodology will integrate critical theory with empirical research methods such as archival analysis and oral testimonies, aiming to uncover previously marginalized voices and narratives within the Angolan art historical record. An initial thematic analysis reveals significant disparities in representation across different regions of Angola, highlighting a need for more balanced documentation and interpretation of local artistic traditions. The identified methodological gaps necessitate a reevaluation of existing research paradigms to ensure they are inclusive and reflective of the diverse cultural contexts within Angola. Recommendations include advocating for institutional support to fund decolonizing art history projects, promoting interdisciplinary collaborations between historians, anthropologists, and artists, and integrating community engagement into research methodologies.