Negotiating social memory in postcolonial Mozambique: the case of heritage sites in Mandhlakazi District
Date
2009-02-16T10:51:24Z
Authors
Inguane, Celso Azarias
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Abstract
Abstract
This research deals with the construction, contestation and negotiation of social memory
involving the postcolonial state of Mozambique, elites and subaltern social groups with a
focus on heritage sites in Mandhalakazi District, Mozambique. Construction of social
memory is current in Mozambique, mainly dominated by state attempts at reproducing
national memory by establishing a national historical narrative, and in continuity with
colonial practices. This is strategically used by Mozambican and South African elites, and
contested by subaltern groups in Mandhalakazi. Subaltern contestations outline critiques of
precolonial, colonial and postcolonial state power and mainstream historiography. Elites’ use
suggests future contests relating to precolonial politics and future dynamics of national and
transnational memory and potential heritage tourism involving South Africa and
Mozambique. Research was conducted using multi-sited ethnography, participant and nonparticipant
observation, semi-structured individual and group interviewing, and archival
research in Maputo City, Mandhlakazi and Xai-Xai, for ten weeks, between June and
September 2007.