Intangible cultural heritage and reconciliation in the Western Balkans : an anthropological perspective / Miloš Milenković.

Introduction: Anthropological aims, ethnological means -- Approaching heritage after postcultural anthropology -- Heritage denialism: Anthropology and critical heritage studies against ICH safeguarding -- Postcultural anthropology: The source of contemporary heritage denialism -- Ethnologists as expert-bureaucrats: Lessons from the Western Balkans -- Beyond anthropology vs. ethnology in the former Yugoslavia -- Fieldwork: Method and context -- The ethnic vs. territorial attribution of minority, contested, and shared intangible heritage -- Professional expertise vs. the politicization of knowledge in ICH arena -- Heritage disciplines within ICH reconciliation and development framework in the Western Balkans -- Ne nuntium necare -- Conclusion: Putting anthropology back to heritage.

"This book considers the sensitive heritage elements linked to the very issue of the origins of nations. Beliefs, rituals, and traditional knowledge are examples of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), which communities globally regard as the core of their cultural identity. When it is unclear which element of heritage 'belong' to whom, like in the Western Balkans, where majority of heritage elements is shared, ICH disputes exacerbate conflict. Its mishandling is especially acute when minority heritage is excluded from governmental cultural policies. With a focus on Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, this book has a global thematic scope, theoretical depth, and policy relevance to anthropology and heritage studies scholars, as well as those interested in cultural diversity, human rights, and cultural and educational policies. It will serve as a guide for those who professionally use cultural heritage, or want to start doing so, in the processes of reconciliation, stabilization and development"-- Provided by publisher.