Decolonizing African Art History in Morocco: New Perspectives and Methodologies

{ "background": "Decolonizing African art history in Morocco involves re-evaluating existing narratives that often privilege European influences and exclude indigenous contributions. This shift necessitates a more comprehensive understanding of Moroccan artistic traditions, their interconnections with broader African contexts, and the role of local communities.", "purposeandobjectives": "This survey research aims to explore new methodologies for decolonizing art history in Morocco by integrating diverse perspectives, including oral histories, material culture studies, and community engagement. The objectives are to identify underrepresented artists and traditions, analyse their significance within Moroccan cultural landscapes, and propose methods for more inclusive teaching and scholarly approaches.", "methodology": "The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining archival research with ethnographic fieldwork in Morocco. Interviews with local artists, historical site visits, and participatory observation are used to gather data on contemporary artistic practices and their historical roots. A thematic analysis of these data will be conducted to identify recurring themes and methodologies.", "findings": "A significant proportion (45%) of the interviewees highlighted the importance of oral traditions in their art-making processes, indicating a need for more comprehensive documentation of such practices. The methodology employed has revealed diverse artistic expressions that challenge traditional Eurocentric categorizations.", "conclusion": "The research confirms the necessity of decolonizing art history in Morocco by incorporating indigenous voices and practices into academic discourse. This approach not only enriches understanding but also fosters greater appreciation for Moroccan cultural heritage among both local communities and international audiences.", "recommendations": "Recommendations include integrating oral histories, material culture studies, and community engagement methodologies into art history curricula at all levels of education in Morocco. Additionally, the establishment of collaborative platforms between academic institutions and local artists could facilitate more inclusive research and teaching practices.", "keywords": "Decolonizing African Art History, Methodologies for Inclusion, Oral Traditions, Material Culture Studies, Community Engagement", "contribution_statement": "This study introduces a novel methodological framework that prioritizes indigenous voices in art history scholarship, providing