Cultural Heritage As Civilizing Mission by Michael Falser

From Decay to Recovery

This scholarly work delves into the intricate relationship between cultural heritage and colonialism, exploring how European powers used the preservation and presentation of cultural artifacts as a tool for asserting dominance and "civilizing" colonized societies. Through a series of case studies, it examines the ways in which colonial authorities appropriated and redefined local cultural symbols to align with Western ideals, often erasing indigenous narratives in the process. The book offers a critical analysis of the lasting impacts of these practices on contemporary heritage discourse and the ongoing struggle for cultural autonomy in post-colonial contexts.

Purchase from Bookshop.org