Heritage : chain, hierarchies and conflicts an ethnography of the Tierradentro Archaeological Park and Nasa Indigenous Territory, Colombia

The designation of the Tierradentro Archaeological Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has exacerbated intercultural conflicts within the Nasa Indigenous Territory in Colombia, primarily due to the lack of consultation with indigenous communities during heritage management planning. This study reveals that the 'World Heritage Chain'—comprising international, national, and local governance structures—has inadvertently deepened tensions by prioritizing global heritage recognition over local indigenous perspectives. Through ethnographic mapping of discourses and key conflict points, the research identifies how the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History's management plan for Tierradentro overlooked Nasa governance, leading to escalating disputes since 2006. The findings underscore the need for inclusive, culturally sensitive approaches in heritage conservation that balance global recognition with indigenous rights and local governance.

Montoya-Guevara, Camilo. (2017). Heritage : chain, hierarchies and conflicts an ethnography of the Tierradentro Archaeological Park and Nasa Indigenous Territory, Colombia [Central European University]. https://doi.org/10.60644/7728