Cultural integrity in reconstruction and restoration: evaluation of the implication of the Venice and Burra charters in the reconstruction and restoration of Great Zimbabwe.

Author
Rusemo, Shalom
Title
Cultural integrity in reconstruction and restoration: evaluation of the implication of the Venice and Burra charters in the reconstruction and restoration of Great Zimbabwe.
Abstract
This dissertation critically examines the concept of cultural integrity in the context of heritage reconstruction and restoration, using Great Zimbabwe as a focal case study. It explores the theoretical and practical implications of the Venice Charter (1964) and the Burra Charter (1979, revised) in guiding conservation efforts at this iconic archaeological site. Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds profound historical, cultural, and symbolic significance for Zimbabwe and the broader African continent. Yet, attempts to reconstruct and restore the site raise questions about authenticity, cultural continuity, and community engagement. Through a comparative analysis of the two charters, the study evaluates how international and regional conservation principles align or conflict with local values, indigenous knowledge systems, and postcolonial identity formation. The research reveals tensions between universal heritage standards and localized cultural imperatives by employing a qualitative methodology, including document analysis, expert interviews, and case studies of past restoration initiatives. The findings underscore the need for context-sensitive approaches that prioritize cultural integrity while balancing the ethical, historical, and technical dimensions of heritage conservation. The study finds that while both charters offer valuable guidance, neither fully captures the unique cultural context of Great Zimbabwe. It argues for a more flexible and inclusive approach, one that blends global best practices with the knowledge, values, and voices of the local communities connected to the site. In doing so, it aims to support more respectful and meaningful restoration efforts, not only at Great Zimbabwe but at heritage sites around the world, offering recommendations for future policy and practice in the stewardship of Great Zimbabwe and similar heritage sites.
Date
June 2025
Publisher
BUSE
Keywords
heritage reconstruction and restoration, Venice Charter (1964) and the Burra Charter (1979),historical, cultural, and symbolic significance
Supervisor
Dr M.E. Sagiya
Media
Shalom Rusemo dissertation.pdf

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