Decoloniality and critical African heritage studies

This paper explores the potential coloniality of Critical Heritage Studies (CHS) as it is experienced by some in African contexts. In response it calls for a decolonial turn that recognises a need for epistemological pluralism in this disciplinary area. The paper begins by distinguishing between decoloniality and decolonisation. It then summarises the colonial roots of heritage and their persistence in some African heritage thinking and practice before exploring coloniality in relation to CHS and African heritage studies. Finally, the paper proposes a decolonial turn.