Uncovering Hidden Narratives

Reinterpreting The Memorial Landscape of Ozombu Zovindimba

Mbatata Uremena

MArch 2022

Supervisors:
Unit Leader: Dr. Finzi Saidi
Unit Leader: Mathebe Aphane
Unit Tutor: Bonolo Masango
Unit Tutor: Nomalanga Mahlangu

UNIT 15X
Landscapes of Memory

Uncovering Hidden Narratives focuses on the genocide of 1904-1908 in South-West Africa, modern-day Namibia, of the Ovaherero people committed by the German colonial army. The project investigates the yearly commemoration of the lives lost in the genocide by the Ovaherero community, which takes place at the Ozombu Zovindimba Cultural Heritage and Information Centre. The project argues that the current activities on site do not accurately represent the history of the landscape through asking the following questions: do spatial interventions add or distract from the sacredness of a site? Do sacred sites exclusively belong to the groups directly affected?

The project includes researching the historical events leading up to the genocide and the commemoration that takes place on-site, remembering those lost during the genocide. In doing so, the project can cross reference the conducted research and uncover any hidden elements by identifying the gaps in the commemoration. In addition, it highlights the hidden narratives that are key and relevant to remembering the victims of the genocide. The interventions aim to reinterpret how the site is used and understood by portraying a more considered narrative of this chapter of the Ovaherero history.

Keywords:
Genocide, Commemoration, Hidden