Decolonizing African Art History in South Africa: New Perspectives and Methodologies

African art history in South Africa has been predominantly shaped by Eurocentric perspectives since colonial times, leading to a lack of diverse and inclusive narratives. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with contemporary artists, curators, and scholars, alongside quantitative analysis of archival data from public collections. A thematic analysis revealed that over 70% of artworks in major South African museums have Eurocentric origins, highlighting the need for diversification to reflect a broader spectrum of artistic expressions. The study underscores the necessity of integrating diverse perspectives into art historical narratives and calls for institutional changes within museums to promote inclusivity. Museums are encouraged to develop partnerships with local communities and artists, ensuring that their collections better represent the diversity of South African artistic traditions.