African Information Ethics (LIS/Philosophy/Social) | 08 October 2014
Decolonizing Ethiopian Art Histories: New Perspectives and Methodologies
D, e, n, n, i, s, J, a, m, e, s, ,, M, r, s, B, e, t, h, M, c, C, a, r, t, h, y, ,, D, r, A, l, l, a, n, M, i, s, t, r, y, ,, L, e, o, n, a, r, d, A, n, d, e, r, s, o, n
Abstract
Ethiopian art history has been dominated by Eurocentric perspectives, marginalizing indigenous narratives and methodologies. This study seeks to decolonize these histories. This action research employs participatory design methodologies, including workshops with diverse Ethiopian art historians and contemporary artists. Data collection involves semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Workshop participants highlighted the need for more nuanced discussions of colonial legacies in Ethiopian art history. A significant proportion (60%) agreed that integrating indigenous knowledge systems would enrich these studies. The findings suggest a shift towards inclusive methodologies is warranted to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of Ethiopian art history. Recommendations include incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems into art historical research and developing training programmes for researchers in this field. Decolonization, Ethiopia, Art History, Methodology