<b>Repatriation in Practice:</b> A Field Report on Community Linked Digital Exhibits in Zambia

This report documents a pilot initiative by <b>SummitShare</b>, conducted in collaboration with the Choma Museum and Crafts Centre, to explore how digital exhibitions of heritage artifacts can support financial repatriation to local communities. Through field visits in Sinazongwe and Gwembe districts in Zambia, the study investigated community governance, knowledge transmission, artifact recognition, and mechanisms for revenue sharing using blockchain infrastructure. The report outlines a prototype model for decentralized funding of community proposals tied to heritage representation.<br><b>Abstract</b>This field report documents SummitShare’s pilot exploration of decentralized, community-linked funding models in Southern Zambia. Conducted in collaboration with the Choma Museum, the project investigated the feasibility of linking digital exhibitions with transparent, traceable revenue-sharing mechanisms. Through fieldwork in Sinazongwe and Gwembe districts, the team conducted oral history interviews, validated artifact provenance, and studied existing community governance structures.The initiative culminated in the launch of “The Leading Ladies of Zambia,” a virtual exhibit powered by smart contracts, enabling direct funding to heritage-linked communities. This report outlines the design principles, implementation process, and lessons from the field. It offers critical insights into institutional collaboration, community participation, and the potential for economic repatriation through open-source infrastructure.SummitShare’s approach is rooted in digital preservation, decentralized access, and the formalization of oral knowledge within heritage repositories. As the platform enters its next phase, this report serves as a living record of its development, challenges, and future direction.