Decolonizing African Art History in Mozambique: A Critical Exploration of New Perspectives and Methodologies

Decolonizing African art history in Mozambique involves reevaluating traditional narratives of artistic expression and cultural heritage through a lens that acknowledges colonial influences. Methodological reviews are employed to evaluate the validity and impact of these new approaches, including critical theory frameworks and innovative analytical techniques. A notable finding is the increasing emphasis on oral histories as a primary source for understanding pre-colonial artistic practices in Mozambique. This shift highlights the importance of local knowledge systems. The review underscores the necessity for scholars to engage with indigenous methodologies and sources, thereby enriching the field of African art history and its historiography. Recommendations include integrating oral histories more systematically into academic research on Mozambican art history, alongside fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration between historians and anthropologists.