Strands of indigenism in the Bolivian Andes: competing juridical claims for the ownership and management of indigenous heritage sites in an emerging context of legal pluralism

Abstract

The diverse linguistic, cultural and ethnic identities within Bolivia have given rise to different strands of indigenism and a wide variety of groups who claim indigenous status and rights. These groups assert their identities in different ways (through subsistence methods, clothing and textiles, festivals and music, and documentary evidence). Indigenous groups currently use both long-standing institutions within their communities and state juridical structures to compete with Bolivian elites and assert their linguistic and territorial rights, within an emerging context of legal pluralism. Crucial differences have emerged between these elites and the indigenous groups in the legal criteria they recognize: the forms of legal codification they practice (writing or weaving), their methods of appointing and recognizing authorities, and their rights of jurisdiction. Competing claims to the national archaeological site of Tiwanaku, are used as a case study. A general ignorance by external funders and policy-makers of prior forms of indigenous control and communal inheritance are alienating some indigenous groups, and are in danger of destroying the very cultural practices that gave rise to such heritage sites in the first place.