Decolonizing Colonial Heritage

Abstract

and an art critic. Decolonizing Colonial Heritage explores how different agents practice the decolonization of European colonial heritage at European and extra-European locations. Assessing the impact of these practices, the book also explores what a new vision of Europe in the postcolonial present could look like.Including contributions from academics, artists and heritage practitioners, the volume explores decolonial heritage practices in politics, contemporary history, diplomacy, museum practice, the visual arts and self-generated memorial expressions in public spaces. The comparative focus of the chapters includes examples of internal colonization in Europe and extends to former European colonies, among them Shanghai, Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro. Examining practices in a range of different contexts, the book pays particular attention to sub-national actors whose work is opening up new futures through their engagement with decolonial heritage practices in the present. The volume also considers the challenges posed by applying decolonial thinking to existing understandings of colonial heritage.Decolonizing Colonial Heritage examines the role of colonial heritage in European memory politics and heritage diplomacy. It will be of interest to academics and students working in the fields of heritage and memory studies, colonial and imperial history, European studies, sociology, cultural studies, development studies, museum studies and contemporary art.

Heritages of (de)colonialism: Reflections from the Pacific Northwest Coast, Canada

“…It brings the relationship between past, present and future into a tight fold, and can be considered a future‐orientated, even future‐making endeavor (Harrison, 2020; Holtorf and Högberg, 2020). The need to “re‐future the present” (Tlostanova, 2018) and create space for non‐Western possibilities that disrupt the status quo of inequality and delink “the rhetoric of modernity and the logic of coloniality” (Mignolo, 2007) is central to decolonial theory, thinking, and practice (Knudsen et al., 2021, 5). “Postcolonial thinking writes itself into the future” (Mbembe, 2010, 85; translated by Knudsen et al., 2021); thus, there is the potential for heritage to be utilized to create a future that is different from what is now.…”

“…The need to “re‐future the present” (Tlostanova, 2018) and create space for non‐Western possibilities that disrupt the status quo of inequality and delink “the rhetoric of modernity and the logic of coloniality” (Mignolo, 2007) is central to decolonial theory, thinking, and practice (Knudsen et al., 2021, 5). “Postcolonial thinking writes itself into the future” (Mbembe, 2010, 85; translated by Knudsen et al., 2021); thus, there is the potential for heritage to be utilized to create a future that is different from what is now. What is kept or let go, protected or degraded, directly informs what the next generations will inherit as their heritage, their belongings, and their burdens.…”

Introduction ‐ The heritage and decoloniality nexus: Global exchanges and unresolved questions in sedimented landscapes of injustice

“…More than ever, heritage narratives, policies, and objects are being questioned because of the colonial legacies that still permeate public spaces (e.g., Knudsen et al., 2022). From the eruption of protests and claims to heritage objects, places, and monuments in former colonial powers, to the emergence of Indigenous peoples’ heritage curatorship of land, and resources activism, new efforts are challenging racialized social orders and persistent exclusionary regimes.…”

Decolonising Cultural Heritage in an Independent Scotland

“…Oppression of native cultures is a feature in this process, resulting in different narratives and versions of the past being presented Harrison and Hughes [15]. Here there is a need to consider and apply decolonial thinking to understanding cultural heritage Knudsen [16] in the context of Scotland's possible independence and decolonization. Conservative authorities invariably seek to defend Imperial/ colonial structures and narratives Mignolo and Walsh [17], or even to deny oppression Hicks [2], and tend to avoid discussion or understanding of legacy heritage resulting from oppressive exploitative regimes Barassi [18].…”