Cultural negotiation and creation of a shared narrative at Mapungubwe

The inscription of the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2003 reflects a deliberate shift in national narratives to recognize and embrace cultural diversity. This study reveals how postcolonial nations, such as South Africa, negotiate shared heritage by integrating spatial and temporal dimensions of memory, moving away from archaic notions of unified cultural beliefs. The research demonstrates that state-adopted narratives can both preserve and reshape heritage, illustrating the dynamic nature of national identity. By analyzing Mapungubwe's transformation—from its historical significance as the progenitor of the Zimbabwe Civilization to a symbol of South Africa's post-apartheid renaissance—the study highlights the complexities and potential impacts of such narrative shifts on heritage preservation.

Sinamai, A. (2018). Cultural negotiation and creation of a shared narrative at Mapungubwe. Memory and Cultural Landscape at the Khami World Heritage Site, Zimbabwe, 144–159. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351022026-7