Colonial Heritage, Power, and Contestation: Negotiating Decolonisation in Latin America and the Caribbean (The Latin American Studies Book Series) pdf

Recent debates over the return of colonially looted heritage have intensified global discussions on decolonization, sparking renewed questions about “what cultural heritage is and who owns it.” These dialogues—exploring the meaning, production, and management of heritage and increasingly incorporating themes around “Latinities”—have gained particular visibility in Latin America and the Caribbean, where issues of cultural heritage are now more prominent on the world stage. The focus on this region seeks to contextualize various theoretical, empirical, and critical perspectives related to negotiating decolonization.

This book centers on analyzing diverse approaches to addressing the power dynamics within colonial heritage, aiming to push boundaries and prompt shifts in established political thought and local identities. The chapters cover a broad range of topics, including the repatriation and restitution of cultural heritage, diasporic movements, and decolonial practices surrounding monuments, museums, and education. By exploring these themes, the volume challenges stereotypes that frame Latin America and the Caribbean as mere recipients of external ideas. Instead, it highlights contemporary decolonial perspectives and practices within the region, offering insights that contribute to the global conversation on contesting colonial legacies and advancing the decolonization of cultural heritage.