The study evaluated the role of Zimbabwe Military Museum’s (ZMM) exhibitions in the creation and portrayal of national identity during post-colonial period. The research focused mainly on the museum’s collections, themes, events, interpretation and presentation of exhibitions in portraying Zimbabwe’s identity after independence up to present. This was done on the basis that most of the displays at ZMM pursue colonial ideologies whilst at the same time undermine African identity. The researchers used a qualitative research approach; the data collection methods and instruments included interviews, focus group discussions and desktop survey. This was performed in order to obtain ample information and testimonial evidence concerning audiences’ perceptions of the Zimbabwe Military Museum’s programs in relation to national identity. Research findings demonstrated that the ZMM does not systematically provide for exhibitions that may address and create national identity, but instead it focuses on exhibitions that pursue colonial ideologies; in effect, colonial traits are evident in collections, themes, events and interpretation of displays. In conclusion if the museum does not take action and redress colonial traits, the audiences will continue to disengage, get distant and withdraw from the museum and its activities.
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In-Text Citation: (Jagero et al., 2016)
To Cite this Article: Jagero, N., Chisedzi, W. K. T., Sithole, N., Shadreck, & Chitima, S. (2016). The Role of Zimbabwean Museums in Creating National Identity during PostColonial Era: A Case Study of Zimbabwe Military Museum. Multilingual Academic Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 4(1), 46–56.
Copyright: © 2016 The Author(s)
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