Trees versus stone walls. A conservation dilemma at Great Zimbabwe

Bibliographic Data

ID15070655
AuthorsMunyaradzi Elton Sagiya (0000-0001-9809-468X, Bindura University of Science Education, corresponding author)
Year2026
Pages1-16
Publication date2026-04-07
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Heritage Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1352-7258 • E-ISSN: 1470-3610
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13527258.2026.2654898
OpenAlexW7151749930
LanguageEN
References cited30

In Africa , most archaeological studies focus on identifying and analysing human-made material culture. They often overlook how human subjectivity is intertwined with plants and other non-human beings, leading to little research worldwide on the intersecting relationships between trees and archaeology. In this article, I use the concept of more-than-human as an analytical lens to explore the conservation complexities associated with two red milkwood trees that flank the conical tower within the Great Enclosure of Great Zimbabwe, a World Heritage Site located in Zimbabwe. Great Zimbabwe is a politically charged archaeological heritage site, constantly attracting scrutiny from the government and the public. The red milkwood trees that grew after the decline of the ancient city have since become integral to post-colonial iconography , featuring on currency and the logos of organisations. While these trees have acquired heritage value, they also pose a conservation threat to the dry-stone walls. Removing the trees would significantly alter the visual representation of this national symbol, and for this reason previous requests to remove them have been declined by the government. Using Great Zimbabwe as a case study, this article illustrates how trees can play a crucial role in shaping and reshaping heritage.

Dilemma · Work (physics · African studies and sociopolitical issues · Archaeology and Rock Art Studies · Wood Treatment and Properties

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Open DOIOpen Access