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Publications

Showing 14061 – 14080 of 15962 publications

Comparative Analysis of Preclassic and Protoclassic Burial Practices at Izapa and in Southeastern Mesoamerica

National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj — 2018 — WHE7DD75DF795

A comparative analysis of burial practices at Izapa, a key Preclassic and Protoclassic site in southeastern Mesoamerica, reveals significant shifts around 100 BCE that correlate with changes in political organization. While few burials were found in the ceremonial precinct, those identified—primarily from the Hato and Itstapa phases (100 BCE–250 CE)—highlight a transition in mortuary traditions. This study contextualizes Izapa's practices within regional patterns by comparing them to neighboring sites like El Ujuxte, Takalik Abaj, and Kaminaljuyu, offering insights into the site's evolving social structure during this pivotal period.

Constructing heritage, shaping tourism

Group of Monuments at Hampi — 2018 — WHEC623824ECD

Heritage construction at Hampi, India's UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects limited official understanding of visitor experiences and site usage. Despite being marketed as a 'group of monuments,' the site encompasses diverse layers including archaeological parks, cultural landscapes, embodied spaces, and living heritage. Ethnographic research at Jathre (the chariot festival) and Utsav (a government-sponsored cultural event) reveals that official narratives often serve electoral, identity, and cultural politics rather than fully capturing the site's dynamic realities.

Contemporary dingo management on K’gari (Fraser Island, Great Sandy National Park) under the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2018 — WHEF0B5DCB32D

A comprehensive dingo management strategy on K’gari (Fraser Island) has been implemented to balance human safety and dingo welfare, integrating risk intervention and public education. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service's Fraser Island Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy (FIDCRMS), introduced in 2013, combines four key programs: Risk Intervention, Communication and Education, Research, and Review. This summary focuses on the practical execution of the first two programs, which aim to mitigate risks while fostering community engagement and compliance. The approach leverages data-driven risk assessment, public awareness campaigns, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure sustainable coexistence between dingoes and humans in this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.

Contested Conquests:African Maroons and the Incomplete Conquest of Hispaniola, 1519–1620

Colonial City of Santo Domingo — 2018 — WHEDDD4649DDC

A re-evaluation of Spanish anti-maroon campaigns on Hispaniola reveals that these actions were integral to the prolonged and often incomplete process of Spanish conquest, challenging the dominant narrative of post-conquest colonial order. The study highlights that African maroons, traditionally seen as resistors, were also active 'conquerors' in their own right. This insight emerges from an analysis of a 1571 royal decree authorizing the 'conquest' of maroon communities, a term rarely used for anti-maroon campaigns, which typically employed euphemistic language like 'reduce,' 'pacify,' or 'dislodge.' The research approach involves examining the linguistic and historical context of this decree, linking it to broader patterns of resistance and conquest in Spanish America from 1519 to 1620.

Contribution of Community Conservation and Ecotourism Projects on Improving Livelihoods and Sustainable Biodiversity Conservation in and around Nyungwe National Park (NNP)

Nyungwe National Park — 2018 — WHE708654A93C

Over half of community conservation projects funded through Rwanda's Revenue Sharing Scheme have collapsed due to lack of monitoring and impact evaluation, with no significant reduction in biodiversity threats observed around Nyungwe National Park. The study, analyzing data from 152 projects receiving RwF 1,133,195,986, found that the scheme's effectiveness is hindered by insufficient focus on community conservation compared to law enforcement. Recommendations include strengthening community-based initiatives and revising the revenue-sharing model, set to increase to 10% in fiscal year 2018-2019.

Contribution of Ecotourism to the Conservation of Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park — 2018 — WHED105A697E9

Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, despite efforts to integrate local communities into conservation and revenue-sharing programs through ecotourism, faces persistent threats such as poaching, illegal logging, and mining. While tourism numbers have surged recently, community-based initiatives remain underdeveloped, failing to fully address poverty alleviation goals. The study, based on interviews, questionnaires, Range-Based Monitoring (RBM) data, and tourism unit records, highlights the need for improved revenue-sharing mechanisms to enhance conservation participation and community development.

Control territorial indígena y gestión turística de áreas silvestres protegidas: experiencia atacameña y Rapa Nui, Chile = Indigenous territorial control and tourism management of protected wild areas: experience atacameña and Rapa Nui, Chile

Rapa Nui National Park — 2018 — WHE5B71B341BE

Chilean indigenous communities have successfully achieved co-administration or autonomous management of key National Parks and Reserves, significantly advancing their rights to self-determination. The study highlights two notable cases: the Atacameño communities' co-management of the Los Flamencos National Reserve in the Salar de Atacama and the Rapanui people's transfer of administration for Rapa Nui National Park. These achievements emerged from a broader process of ethnic mobilization, territorial demands, and legal recognition over three decades. The research compares these experiences, emphasizing their implications for indigenous autonomy and tourism management in protected areas.

Crespi D'Adda. Paesaggio, Programma, Progetto. Dal macchinismo alla vita liquida, questioni di entropia

Crespi d'Adda — 2018 — WHE232E64007E

Crespi d'Adda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prime example of a 19th-century industrial village, is perceived as a relic of its past rather than a dynamic, evolving landscape. However, this perception overlooks the site's ongoing historical and geographical significance. The study argues that Crespi d'Adda's unique landscape, shaped by over a century of industrial activity, remains a living entity with untold narratives waiting to be rediscovered. It challenges the notion of the site as a static ruin, proposing instead that its evolution reflects complex interactions between human and natural forces. The research emphasizes the need for systematic interventions to make this 'landscape in becoming' more readable and coherent, positioning Crespi d'Adda as a valuable laboratory for urban studies, architecture, and cultural innovation. It also highlights the role of labor in shaping social identity within the village, suggesting that reintegrating work as a cultural medium could revitalize the community's sense of belonging.

Crimes against cultural heritage in Timbuktu

Timbuktu — 2018 — WHE9993F48418

The first prosecution for the destruction of cultural sites as a war crime at the International Criminal Court (ICC) involved Timbuktu. This landmark case underscores the significance of protecting such sites during conflicts and highlights their role in shaping national identity and historical narratives. The study examines the historical relationship between Mali and UNESCO, as well as the cultural and religious heritage of Timbuktu, to contextualize the destruction within an ongoing dialogue about Mali's future. It also explores the broader implications for anthropological studies of material culture, challenging traditional understandings of people's connections to sites and objects.

Cultural Heritage Sites and Urban growth: The case of Neakutoleab, Lalibela

Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela — 2018 — WHEDE7E18ACB4

Urban growth in Lalibela, Ethiopia, driven by tourism and state policies, poses significant threats to the cultural heritage of nearby districts, including Neakutoleab. The study reveals that while tourism and urbanization bring economic benefits, they also alter local lifestyles and identities, endangering the sociocultural status and natural significance of heritage sites like the Neakutoleab monastery. The research evaluates the tradeoffs between developmental goals and heritage protection, offering mitigation strategies to balance continued growth with preservation efforts.

Cultural landscape devastation as a consequence of poor Sustainable Urban Development practice Case study: Kostanjica, Boka Bay, Montenegro

Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor — 2018 — WHECEBF79EA0A

Poor sustainable urban development practices have severely jeopardized the cultural landscape of Kostanjica, a UNESCO-recognized site within Montenegro's Boka Bay. Despite Montenegro's commitment to ecological preservation since 1991, the ongoing development of the tourist resort 'Boka Gardens' has led to devastating changes, threatening the region's UNESCO status. The study identifies profit-driven urban planning and architecture as key contributors to this destruction, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable building practices to preserve the unique cultural landscape and regional identity.

Da Gerico a Betlemme.La Missione Della Sapienza a Gericoe L’Archeologia Italiana in Palestina (1997-2017)Con Il Contributo Del Ministero Degli Affari Esteri E Della Cooperazione Internazionale

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan — 2018 — WHE525717B76A

A groundbreaking Italian-Palestinian archaeological collaboration at Tell es-Sultan, ancient Jericho, has transformed the site from an unintelligible ruin into a prominent research and tourist destination. This 20-year partnership, initiated in 1997 by Sapienza University of Rome with the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, pioneered a shared responsibility model for excavation, protection, and rehabilitation, diverging from traditional colonial practices. The project has uncovered pivotal moments in human history, including the advent of agriculture (10,500-6,000 BC) and the rise of the earliest city with modular architecture during the 3rd millennium BC. Beyond Jericho, this model expanded to safeguard threatened heritage, such as Bethlehem’s necropolises and Tell Abu Zarad, a significant Bronze and Iron Age city. The collaboration has produced over 100 scientific publications, ensuring unbiased historical interpretation while rehabilitating 13 sites in the Jericho Oasis Archaeological Park.

Dance Performances at Quiriguá

Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua — 2018 — WHEC1725233C4

Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quiriguá, Guatemala, reveals that dance performances were likely a central ritual activity during the Classic Maya period. Spatial analysis and iconographic studies of Platform 1A-1 suggest it served as a stage for circular counterclockwise dances, symbolizing the renewal of cyclical time periods—a concept shared across Mesoamerican cultures, including the Aztecs' Lordly Dance. These findings highlight the significance of circular space-time in Maya ritual aesthetics and public sculpture programming.

Découvrir les jardins de l’Hevsel

Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape — 2018 — WHEB75ABEB970

Hevsel Gardens, part of the Diyarbakır Fortress and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape, has undergone a significant rediscovery during its UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription process. This transformation has led to a re-evaluation of its historical and cultural value by experts, artists, urban planners, and local inhabitants. The research highlights key events and works that have shaped the Gardens into a recognized heritage site, emphasizing its unique significance in the region's history.

Delhi’s Qutb Complex: The Minar, Mosque and Mehrauli

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi — 2018 — WHE9F15734C72

Delhi's Qutb Complex, featuring the iconic Qutb Minar and its monuments, stands as a testament to the architectural and historical significance of the region. This comprehensive study by Catherine B. Asher delves into the intricate details of the complex, offering insights into its construction, evolution, and cultural importance. The research approach combines thorough historical analysis with architectural examination, providing a nuanced understanding of the site's development from its inception in the 12th century to its current status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Asher's work not only highlights the technical prowess behind the monuments but also explores their social and political contexts, enriching our knowledge of India's medieval history.

Descola’s Model Of Religion and Nature Examined

Matobo Hills — 2018 — WHE133FF3FFD2

A re-evaluation of Philippe Descola’s ontological framework reveals that his concepts of incarnation and figuration, rather than the proposed fourfold scheme, better explain religious practices and human-environment relationships. This insight emerges from a detailed ethnographic study of the Mwali cult in Matobo Hills, Zimbabweconducted through prolonged participant observation and interviews. The research challenges Descola’s model by demonstrating that incarnation and figuration more effectively capture the nuanced ways in which religious forms shape human engagement with nature.

Development of Web-Based GIS for the Cultural Heritage of Safranbolu, Turkey

City of Safranbolu — 2018 — WHE7DA179CC39

A web-based GIS system was successfully developed to document and model Safranbolu's cultural heritage, enabling the 3D visualization of historical buildings using close-range photogrammetry. This approach integrates diverse data sources into an accessible online platform, facilitating heritage preservation and tourism. Safranbolu, a UNESCO-listed site in Turkey, benefits from this system, which enhances the protection and revitalization of its architectural legacy. The study demonstrates how digital tools can bridge gaps between historical documentation and public engagement, offering a scalable model for other heritage sites.

Dieta y ámbito hogareño del gato feral, Felis catus (Carnivora: Felidae) en la Isla Socorro, Archipiélago de Revillagigedo, México

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2018 — WHEC9E0268D28

Research on feral cats (Felis catus) in Isla Socorro, part of the UNESCO-listed Revillagigedo Archipelago, reveals critical insights for their eradication to protect local biodiversity. Analysis of stomach contents from 79 cats showed their diet primarily consisted of domestic mice (22.16%), endemic lizards (Urosaurus auriculatus, 15.09%), anthropogenic waste (15.09%), and insects (Orthoptera, 13.20%). Telemetry tracking of four cats using GPS/VHF collars further uncovered significant differences in home range sizes: males averaged 219.10 hectares, while females averaged 118.86 hectares. These findings are pivotal for planning effective eradication efforts, as they inform the required trapping density and bait distribution to minimize environmental impact during ongoing conservation actions.

Different voices from community groups to support sustainable tourism development at Iranian World Heritage Sites: evidence from Bisotun

Bisotun — 2018 — WHEB74178CD66

Support for sustainable tourism development (SSTD) at UNESCO World Heritage Sites varies significantly among community groups, with farmers, businesses, handicraft sellers, and local government employees exhibiting distinct perspectives. A study of Bisotun, Iran, found that while community attachment, involvement, and perceived benefits universally positively influence SSTD, the strength of these effects differs across groups. This suggests tailored strategies are needed to engage diverse stakeholders effectively. The research employed structural equation modeling on survey data from 489 respondents, applying social exchange and identity theories to analyze group-specific dynamics in a developing country context.

Digital Enchantment of Drottningholm

Royal Domain of Drottningholm — 2018 — WHEEE2F51C15D

A counter-factual digital experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Drottningholm, Sweden, demonstrates how historical figures from the 18th century can be integrated into a living portrayal of past court life. While technically feasible, this project raises critical questions about broadening social perspectives—such as class, gender, and ethnicity—and the artistic choices needed to visualize activities in the palace and park. It also explores which forms of digital interaction best engage diverse visitor groups. The study suggests that while such an approach may offer poetic pleasures, bridging the historical gap remains a theoretical challenge, leaving unanswered whether Hans-Georg Gadamer's concept of 'fusion of horizons' can be achieved in practice.