Shanade Barnabas

Shanade Barnabas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Classical and Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Groningen, Netherlands. They hold a PhD in Cultural Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (2015). Barnabas is also a Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (2024–2026). Their research focuses on heritage-making in postcolonial contexts, exploring links between heritage, nationalism, identity, and memory. Key interests include multivocal narratives, contested heritage, and marginalized voices in academic discourse. Barnabas leads the Sectorplan theme on 'Cultural Heritage and Identity: Material and Intangible Heritage' and serves on Springer Nature’s Humanities & Social Sciences Communications editorial board.

Research Interests: Barnabas examines heritage as a site of ideological conflict, particularly in postcolonial societies. They investigate how traumatic histories are represented, reconciled, and performative in shaping societal identity. Current projects address heritage landscapes as arenas for culture wars and memory-making, with a focus on South Africa’s contested heritage.

Publications Overview: Recent work includes analyses of visual sovereignty (2025), Afrikaner nationalism (2024), and San youth digital practices (2021). Their publications span cultural heritage management, indigenous media, and participatory research methodologies. Articles frequently engage with decolonial frameworks and ethical representation.

Awards & Grants: Recognitions include the NRF Early Career Award (2021), Future Professor’s Programme grants (2021, 2023), and a SARChI Chair Visiting Professorship (2024). They coordinate interdisciplinary projects like 'Heritage Pasts and Futures' (2022–present).

Professional Roles: Editorial board member, conference organizer (e.g., 'Indigeneity and Visual Sovereignty' 2023), and contributor to initiatives like the Oxford Encyclopedia of African History (2024 entry on Afrikaner nationalism).