Understanding the uses of cultural heritage

Abstract EN

It is quite interesting today in social and anthropological studies to debate topics relating to heritage.

One reason for this increased academic interest could plausibly be a reaction to the hastening of globalization.

However, in examining the nature of heritage, we are faced with exploring the notion of cultural heritage mainly, because it is a contested subject.

Of particular interest for this study would be an analysis of heritage as social and cultural constructions articulated within cultural practice.

Within this respect then, heritage is represented as a conceptualization of different meanings linked to space time, performance and commemoration, affect, and tangibility/intangibility.

To that end, the study points to some preliminary examples from the Algerian context to explain heritage uses.