1st Edition
Intangible Cultural Heritage and Reconciliation in the Western Balkans An Anthropological perspective
This book considers the sensitive heritage elements linked to the very issue of the origins of nations. Beliefs, rituals, and traditional knowledge are examples of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), which communities globally regard as the core of their cultural identity. When it is unclear which element of heritage ‘belong’ to whom, like in the Western Balkans, where majority of heritage elements is shared, ICH disputes exacerbate conflict. Its mishandling is especially acute when minority heritage is excluded from governmental cultural policies. With a focus on Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, this book has a global thematic scope, theoretical depth, and policy relevance to anthropology and heritage studies scholars, as well as those interested in cultural diversity, human rights, and cultural and educational policies. It will serve as a guide for those who professionally use cultural heritage, or want to start doing so, in the processes of reconciliation, stabilization and development.
Acknowledgements
1 Introduction: Anthropological aims, ethnological means
Part I Approaching heritage after postcultural Anthropology
2 Heritage denialism: Anthropology and critical heritage studies against ICH safeguarding
3 Postultural anthropology: The source of contemporary heritage denialism
Part II Ethnologists as expert-bureaucrats: Lessons from the Western Balkans
4 Beyond anthropology vs. ethnology in the former Yugoslavia
5 Fieldwork: Method and context
6 The ethnic vs. territorial attribution of minority, contested, and shared intangible heritage
7 Professional expertise vs. the politicization of knowledge in ICH arena
8 Heritage disciplines within ICH reconciliation and development framework in the Western Balkans
Part III Ne nuntium necare
Conclusion: Putting anthropology back to heritage
References
Index
Biography
Miloš Milenković is a Professor at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Ethnology and Anthropology.
“Miloš Milenković’s book dares us to think positively about the structures for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, and the work these structures and intangible heritage more generally can do for society. In doing so, he unpacks the destructive possibilities of critique for critique’s sake, and points to a brighter landscape where critique and critical thinking come together not to destroy, but to build; where heritage is not (only) a tool of manipulation, but also a (potential) tool of resilience and peace.”
- Lucas Lixinski, Professor at the Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney
“This is a timely book and a brave one, attempting to overcome the contrast, and occasional conflict, between ethnology and anthropology in Eastern Europe. Drawing on extensive fieldwork from the Western Balkans and engagement with policymakers and NGOs, Milenkovic argues that the two sister disciplines are complementary rather than in competition. His refreshing and original view on intangible cultural heritage has the potential to enrich both disciplines, and could have an impact on policy and ideology at this time of neo-nationalism and polarisation. Although the book has a regional focus, the message is relevant for comparative analysis and anthropological theory, and it deserves a wide readership.”
- Thomas Hylland Eriksen, University of Oslo
