World Heritage Site: Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
Publication Year: 2023
Publication Type: Article
Publication Identifier: WHEA638038A5B
Summary
The Qhapaq Ñan, an ancient Andean road system, serves as a powerful political symbol in Peru's contemporary history. This study reveals its dual role as both a physical artifact and a narrative tool, shaping national identity and indigenous representation since the early 20th century. It demonstrates how the road has been instrumentalized in political discourse, from economic policy legitimization to diplomatic alliances and regional cooperation. By analyzing its use in global contexts, the research uncovers its transformative potential as a node of transnational politics, transcending national boundaries. The approach combines historical analysis with critical examination of patrimonial politics, offering insights into how heritage sites become contested yet unifying elements in modern nation-building processes.
Citation
Espinoza Martín, O. (2023). «El Camino que nos une»: una historia política del Qhapaq Ñan. Bulletin de l’Institut Français d’Études Andines, 52 (2), 147–169. https://doi.org/10.4000/135p2
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