Identity is more than a name. It is a story written across histories, bodies, landscapes and collective memory.
This issue investigates the diverse ways in which identity is expressed, recovered, reconstructed, preserved, and reclaimed throughout Africa. Drawing on the perspectives of forensic practitioners, artists, architects, and storytellers, it examines the intersection of science and humanity, emphasising the enduring importance of recognising the individual behind each piece of evidence.
From forensic odontology and DNA to the cultural significance of heritage tattoos, we explore how the human body can become a record of identity and the importance of identifying the missing and dead.Our inaugural issue brings together diverse perspectives on a shared question: What does it mean to be known, remembered, and recognised?
UPHAWU is a celebration of the people and disciplines that preserve identity and share stories that would otherwise remain untold. It is a tribute to Africa’s intellectual, cultural and scientific contributions. It is a reminder that every person,every story, and every mark deserves recognition.
