The Past in the Present: The archaeology of north-western Zimbabwe and the Nambya state arises out of the University of Zimbabwe Archaeology Unit's long-term research project in north-western Zimbabwe, an area that has been comparatively under-researched. This project - b a s e d on a comprehensive, systematic research agenda focusing on the Nambya state -- offers the first major scholarly and scientific undertaking to redress the previous imbalance. North-western Zimbabwe is one of the richest cultural landscapes in the country and our understanding of the archaeology and cultural heritage of Zimbabwe and the region is incomplete without reference to the area. Another important concern of the project has been the focus on community participation in the management of archaeological heritage sites while stimulating interest in the value of their resources. North-western Zimbabwe is home to over 50 Zimbabwe Culture sites, whose monumental dry-stone buildings now represent important political and cultural symbols across the region.