Professor Shadreck Chirikure, head of the University of
Cape Town (UCT) Archaeological Materials Laboratory, has won a Global
Professorship from the British Academy for his work dating historical artefacts
and the study of pre-colonial urban societies in Africa. The award provides the
opportunity for internationally recognised scholars working in the social
sciences and humanities to relocate to the United Kingdom (UK) for four years
and continue their research at a British university. Chirikure will soon take
up his place at the University of Oxford’s School of Archaeology.
“When I heard the news I was ecstatic,” says Chirikure. “It
is wonderful recognition of my work. But beyond this, I believe it also comes
with a great deal of responsibility.”
“My hope is that
this award will mean we can really focus on the development of students working
in the field, especially in previously disadvantaged institutions such as the
University of Venda, the University of Limpopo and institutions in Mozambique,
for example.”
In Chirikure’s view, the professorship provides the
opportunity to raise the profile of African archaeology at the University of
Oxford and leverage the available resources to support other young African
scholars.
“My hope is that this award will mean we can really focus
on the development of students working in the field, especially in previously disadvantaged
institutions such as the University of Venda, the University of Limpopo and
institutions in Mozambique, for example.
“I think this can support the development of a new cohort
of African archaeologists.”
Beyond the possibility for student development, Chirikure
is most excited about the prospect of collaborating with other researchers and
thinkers at the University of Oxford. “I am greatly looking forward to having
access to such a deep reserve of archives, research technology and laboratories,”
he says.
Chirikure plans to continue his work looking at
pre-colonial urban society in southern Africa over the course of his four-year
tenure at Oxford. “I am excited at the prospect of addressing questions that
lie at the intersection of human community, food and landscape,” he says.
“I am particularly keen to explore the deep history of food
and food security, including looking at food residues found in pots, which can
tell us a great deal, including about the specific species of vegetables and
grains being used, diets and levels of nutrition.”
At present, Chirikure is head of UCT’s Archaeological
Materials Laboratory.
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