Profile

Abantu Archives was established in late 2019 by Tinashe Hwindingwi.

Our work covers the requisitioning, preservation, safeguarding, organization, and dissemination of the records of the past.

Most books and documents on Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) predating the 2000s are primarily out of print and risk permanent loss. Among its holdings is a collection of rare books with volumes on Africa in the 20th century, maps, and an extensive historical archive of images, manuscripts, and ephemera. Its collections are complemented by scholarly publication activities.

about abantu archives

What We Do

Abantu Archives seeks to showcase a dynamic history of the Central African region, journeying through its documentation and media, which includes content created to entertain, inform, and teach users and provides a repository for said historical documentation and media.

Mission

This platform will disseminate this collection of works, heritage, and cultural information via online media and thus seek to influence, shape, inform, and reconcile viewers’ opinions and behaviours towards our history and, in turn, preserve it. The nature of these records varies considerably according to medium, age, and use and includes books, periodicals, loose papers, maps, and, in some cases, audio recordings, photographs, and films. Documents may be in manuscript, print, or typescript, on paper or digital. Their age may also vary considerably, from ten years old to pre-20th century.

Edutainment

Edutainment provides interactions that can take the form of media, games, and augmented and virtual reality to create fun and educational experiences for users. In our case, it can and should stimulate and challenge users’ minds and preconceptions, gaining cultural and historical insight and better retaining important facts, thereby preserving our history of Central Africa.

These educational functions are particularly important because archives are not available for borrowing. If, as is usually the case, they contain unique and irreplaceable material, users may not even be allowed access.

Note: In-person access to the material onsite can be scheduled during working hours on the weekday.

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