Zimbabwe. One Enemy: Imperialism
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1977
"Zimbabwe. One Enemy: Imperialism" is a political screenprint poster designed by The Poster Collective as part of their Africa series. Produced around 1977 in the United Kingdom, the work is executed in ink on paper using screenprinting techniques.
The poster incorporates a photomontage layout that features historical and contemporary imagery addressing themes of colonial repression, revolt, protest, workers' rights, and land ownership. These visual elements are combined with textual passages and quotes, notably including statements from Cecil Rhodes dating to 1895, Lobengula Khumalo, Vladimir Lenin, and Amilcar Cabral.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The poster was produced in support of the overthrow of Ian Smith's white minority government in Southern Rhodesia, identifying imperialism as the central enemy during the guerrilla war waged by the Patriotic Front (ZAPU and ZANU). It highlights historical resistance led by Lobengula Khumalo, the second and last official king of Mthwakazi (Northern Ndebele), who was tricked into signing away extensive mining rights to Cecil Rhodes. Despite the 1893 war and Ndebele resistance, Rhodes and colonial settlers took control of the territory by the late 1890s, establishing Rhodesia.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Screenprint
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- The Poster Collective
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Zimbabwe. One Enemy: Imperialism
- Museum object number
- E.121-2004
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.