Names as Narratives: Constructing Memories through Time in North Western Zimbabwe, ca. 1900-2000

The article explores the idea that names represent collective memories of people through time in northwestern Zimbabwe from circa 1900 to 2000, but argues further that these so-called memories are not homogenous. It looks into the use of the term Gowa, which refers to low-lying landscapes, employed to debate generational distinctions and continuity and ethnic diversity. It also argues that such names or terms are meant to serve a purpose instead of being randomly deployed.