Cultural Heritages as Reflexive Traditions (Hardcover, 2007 ed.)

Drawing on anthropological fieldwork, this book presents case studies illustrating the invention or re-conceptualization of heritages and traditions in selected locations in Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe. The authors review the importance of oral traditions as markers of identity and consider competing narratives of heritage in post-colonial societies. In recent times, the heritage industry has developed significant economic potential and several contributors query the impact of the commodification of heritage on the integrity of custodians and their cultural traditions.