A thoroughly modern park: Mapungubwe, UNESCO and Indigenous Heritage

Mapungubwe National Park in South Africa exemplifies the tensions between modernist heritage frameworks and Indigenous perspectives, challenging traditional classifications of 'nature' and 'culture.' The study highlights how UNESCO's Cultural Landscape designation reflects a broader shift away from rigid categorizations, influenced by Indigenous communities and other non-state actors. It explores the limitations of nation-state-driven heritage models, particularly in the context of global agencies like UNESCO, while acknowledging the persistent struggle for meaning within these structures. The research approach combines critical analysis of modernist narratives with an examination of Indigenous heritage practices, revealing the dynamic interplay between classical frameworks and emerging perspectives.

(Ed.). (2013). A thoroughly modern park: Mapungubwe, UNESCO and Indigenous Heritage. Reclaiming Archaeology, 260–273. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203068632-29