Unearthing Voices: Restitution of Congolese Cultural Heritage as an Anticolonial Imperative in Education

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 1:15 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Anticolonial Resistance and Knowledge-Based Systems (Table 2)

Abstract

This paper delves into the historical injustices inflicted upon the Congolese people through the colonial plundering of their cultural heritage. It examines the impact of colonialism on their communities, cultural expressions, and knowledge systems, setting the stage for understanding the urgency of restitution as an anticolonial imperative in education. The rise of anticolonial perspectives and movements advocating for the return of Congolese cultural artifacts is explored, highlighting the resilience of Congolese activists, scholars, and communities. The paper critically analyzes the restitution debate within educational spaces, addressing ethical, legal, and pedagogical considerations. Envisioning a decolonial education, it underscores the transformative potential of acknowledging and respecting Congolese heritage for a more equitable and just future.

Author

• Gracia Lwanzo Kasongo, Catholic University of Louvain