Heritage and Post-Conflict Development

Abstract

The turn to heritage is a common response in the aftermath of violent conflict when the past can be both a problem to be selectively remembered, and by extension forgotten, and a resource within which solutions might be found for future peace, security and other forms of development. This chapter discusses these issues in two ways. The first way is through a summary of the well-rehearsed post-conflict role of mostly tangible, formal notions of authorised heritage as promoted by international organisations and managed by national heritage agencies. The second way is through a summary of the post-conflict institutionalisation of precolonial traditions and customary practices, particularly in the areas of transitional justice, conflict resolution and reconciliation. By contrast with museums and memorials, the institutionalisation of precolonial traditions and customary practices is frequently discussed in development debates but is rarely labelled heritage nor included within post-conflict critical heritage studies. In response, this chapter argues that formalised heritage and the institutionalisation of tradition and customary practice are both aspects of a post-conflict developmental heritage complex, which state parties and other development actors selectively adapt and adopt in each new post-conflict context.