Historical Areas of Misiones as Heritages: Critical Reflections for a Communal Archaeology Proposal

A critical reflection on the relationship between archaeological heritage, local communities, and patrimonial assets reveals how Guaraní-Jesuit missions, particularly those in Argentina's Misiones region, are appropriated and modified over time by local communities. The study highlights that while San Ignacio Mini is the most visited and resource-rich site among the UNESCO-listed reductions, others like Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto, and Santa María la Mayor suffer from underutilization and lack of activities. Using the case of Concepción de la Sierra, where the ancient reduction of Nuestra Señora de Ibitiracua was located, the research demonstrates how local communities shape archaeological heritages independently of elitist international categories. This communal approach challenges traditional perspectives on heritage management and emphasizes the dynamic, evolving nature of patrimonial assets.

Ocampo, A. E. (2018). Historical Areas of Misiones as Heritages: Critical Reflections for a Communal Archaeology Proposal. Journal of Historical Archaeology & Anthropological Sciences, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.15406/jhaas.2018.03.00073