Decolonizing African Art History in Kenya: New Methodologies and Perspectives

The field of African architectural history in Kenya has traditionally been dominated by Eurocentric perspectives that have marginalized indigenous narratives and methodologies. The proposed methodology involves engaging with underrepresented communities through oral histories, traditional knowledge systems, and contemporary artistic practices as primary sources of data. By integrating these new methodologies and perspectives, African art history can be more accurately represented and understood, leading to a richer and more comprehensive understanding of the region's cultural heritage. It is recommended that scholars adopt a collaborative research model with local communities, ensure equitable representation in academic publications, and critically evaluate existing historiographies for bias.