Session 6 – Basinyi – Understanding of cultural heritage in Tsodilo Hills

Описание: The COSMO-ART Conference on Rock Art
Rock Art Site Management in Southern Africa: Towards a Cosmopolitan Approach
30 Nov. – 5 Dec. 2025, Sol Plaatje University, Kimberley, South Africa

Session 6 – 5 December 2025
Stella Basinyi (University of York) – Understanding of cultural heritage in Tsodilo Hills through community perspectives

The concept of "community participation" in heritage management often remains superficial, as local perspectives are frequently overlooked or relegated to the background in decision-making and the construction of heritage narratives. This paper re-examines concepts of community involvement, engagement and collaboration in rock art sites, concentrating on the interpretations and uses of the site by the community within the Tsodilo Hills cultural landscape. The research explores the ways in which rock art narratives have been (re)constructed and the impact this has had on the community in and near the Tsodilo Hills. The central guiding question is, how do various stakeholders create and benefit from the archaeological narratives, however problematic? This study employs a qualitative case study research approach. Comprehensive, semi-structured, open-ended interviews were employed to collect the data. Thematic analysis using NVivo was conducted to recognise categories and themes in the data discussed in this paper. The examination of interviews from this case study highlights that Western heritage management methods have a lasting influence on individuals and heritage in Africa.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this talk are those of the speakers and are based on their scientific research. They do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the conference organisers.