Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

1-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Anthropology

First Advisor

Jodi Skipper

Second Advisor

Bridget Martin

Third Advisor

Marcos Mendoza

School

University of Mississippi

Relational Format

dissertation/thesis

Abstract

This thesis examines the contested interpretation and memorialization of the Chibondo mass grave in Zimbabwe, analyzing how unresolved historical grievances shape national reconciliation efforts. Discovered in 2011, Chibondo became a politically charged heritage site, officially framed as a symbol of liberation while simultaneously raising allegations that it contains victims of post-independence violence, including the Gukurahundi massacres. Employing the theoretical frameworks of difficult heritage, transitional justice, and memorialization, this research explores the political, social, and ethical complexities that emerge when nations confront traumatic pasts. Through a mixed-methods approach that combines semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and scholarly reviews, the study critically assesses how state-driven and community-based narratives clash over the meaning of Chibondo. It also draws comparative insights from memorialization efforts such as the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama. The findings suggest that selective historical reckoning, politicized exhumations, and exclusionary memorial practices in Zimbabwe deepen societal divisions rather than promote healing. This thesis argues that an inclusive, transparent, and participatory approach to Chibondo’s memorialization could significantly advance national healing, truth-telling, and reconciliation. Ultimately, Chibondo serves as a microcosm of broader struggles over memory, justice, and identity in postcolonial Zimbabwe, offering critical lessons for societies grappling with contested histories worldwide.

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