Decolonizing Somali Art Histories: New Perspectives and Methodologies

Somali art history has been predominantly Eurocentric, with a focus on Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns, overlooking indigenous artistic traditions. This action research employed participatory methods involving community consultations, oral history interviews, and the development of a collaborative research framework. The research identified over 30 previously undocumented artistic traditions in Somali regions, with significant regional variations in iconography and materials used. New methodologies have revealed a rich tapestry of artistic expression that was previously unseen or underrepresented in academic literature. Further studies should include more diverse voices from different ethnic groups within Somalia to ensure comprehensive coverage of the country's artistic heritage. Somali art history, decolonization, participatory research, indigenous traditions