In a remarkable feat of academic achievement, Professor Shadreck Chirikure, a distinguished Zimbabwean archaeologist and Edward Hall Professor of Archaeological Science at the University of Oxford has secured a major European Research Council (ERC) grant. This prestigious accolade places him among an elite cohort of four exceptional research leaders at Oxford, each receiving grants of up to €2.5 million (USD 2.66 million) to spearhead groundbreaking research in their respective fields.
The ERC grants, renowned as one of the most competitive and esteemed EU funding schemes, are awarded to leading researchers with a proven track record of substantial contributions to their disciplines. Professor Chirikure's stellar work in the field of archaeology has earned him this distinguished recognition, solidifying his position as a trailblazer in the scientific community.
Under the project titled "New Bantu Project," Professor Chirikure aims to illuminate the historical migration patterns of Bantu speakers across Southern Africa. Encompassing eight countries, including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, the project will employ extensive fieldwork and high-resolution scientific analyses of archaeological collections, including metals, pottery, seeds, and bones. Through these efforts, Chirikure and his team seek to unravel the lifeways and socio-political dynamics of ancient Bantu communities.
Speaking about the project, Professor Chirikure highlighted its potential to offer insights into contemporary migration challenges, both within Africa and globally. He emphasized the importance of understanding the historical spread of Bantu speakers and their livelihoods as a means to derive lessons for improving livelihoods today.
Beyond academic pursuits, the research endeavour aims to derive practical lessons from the past to enhance contemporary livelihoods. Additionally, it prioritizes public education and exhibition programs to effectively disseminate knowledge. The significance of Chirikure’s project extends beyond academic realms, as it holds the potential to contribute to Africa's narrative reconstruction, especially in light of historical misrepresentations during the colonial era.
Acknowledging the significance of Professor Chirikure's research, Professor Munyaradzi Manyanga, Bantu Mosaics Research Associate and Executive Dean of the School of Heritage and Education at Great Zimbabwe University commended the project for its capacity-building potential in archaeology and heritage in Zimbabwe and beyond. He emphasized the importance of deep-time studies in reclaiming Africa's narrative and identity, particularly after years of colonial misrepresentation.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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