16 Dec: The day of Reconciliation – Mapungubwe Gold

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Join online and live in-person at the Javett Art Centre for a programme of dialogue, ceremonial horn performance, exhibitions and discovery that brings together the different voices and Contemporary Contexts of the Mapungubwe Cultural Heritage.

Recognising, remembering and empowering the Day of Reconciliation, this unique programme provides a platform for a wider discussion of contested histories, indigenous knowledge systems and the many perceptions of National Treasures, and offers a chance for a deeper excavation of our collective past.

The Javett Art Centre at University of Pretoria will host a commemorative event starting at 11:30AM on Thursday 16th December 2021 as part of the national Day of Reconciliation. The event aims to acknowledge and profile the significance of the Mapungubwe Collection, currently on exhibition at the Javett-UP tower, as significant to the regional focuses for social interconnectedness and remediation of our collective, even if contested histories within a contemporary academic and artistic context.

The Javett-UP positions the collections in its care as sites for continuous learning.

Mr Lekgetho Makola, CEO Javett Art Centre: “The Mapungubwe Gold Collection, on exhibition at the Javett-UP, constitutes significant artistic, spiritual, cultural and scientific pre-colonial heritage of our region. These objects of high heritage value are an entry point to acknowledging and elevating the critical histories of our region to begin the process of bringing dignity back to the people of this region. Thus, unlearning and re-learning much that has been misrepresented and erased from the authentic human experiences of our collective African histories. The difficult contestations we currently have, deserve a platform for conversations and mediation within the contemporary contexts. The way to true emancipation and progressive development of nations of this continent will be through re-learning the strengths of our collective cultural heritage to find valued solutions to our challenges. Our work at Javett-UP must position the arts as a meaningful voice and player in the development and transformation of our country and continent.”

JOIN ONLINE on Thursday 16th December 2021 at 11:30AM:

https://javettup.art/projects/mapungubwe-the-reconciliation

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcfwAbzkatdheMJoqBf7XmA

https://www.facebook.com/events/906956196878953/