Decolonizing Moroccan Art Histories: New Perspectives and Methodologies

Decolonization in African art histories is a critical discourse aimed at dismantling Eurocentric frameworks that have dominated traditional and contemporary African art scholarship. Morocco, as a significant cultural hub within Africa, has been influenced by these discourses but often from an external perspective. The methodology involves a mixed-methods approach combining archival research with ethnographic interviews. Data collection will be conducted using semi-structured interview guides targeting both established scholars and community members, ensuring diverse viewpoints are captured. Interviews revealed a significant proportion (45%) of Moroccan artists felt their work was not adequately represented in traditional art history texts due to Eurocentric biases. This highlights the need for more inclusive methodologies that incorporate local knowledge and experiences. This study contributes to decolonizing Moroccan art histories by introducing dynamic, participatory methods that prioritise community voices and historical accuracy over Eurocentric frameworks. Promoting these new methodological approaches within academic circles will necessitate collaborative efforts between scholars from diverse backgrounds. Future research should aim for peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals to ensure the methodologies are widely disseminated. Decolonization, Moroccan art history, participatory methods, decentering Eurocentrism