Heritage of Indigenous Peoples

The Heritage and rights of indigenous peoples focuses on the living heritage of indigenous peoples and its safeguarding, connecting the past and the present in local communities.

The concept of ‘living heritage’ is very present in this line of research and education. Archaeologists and anthropologists often encounter manifestations of cultural continuity: descendant communities maintain and cultivate traditional knowledge, religious ideas and customs that go back to ancient times. This living heritage offers opportunities for innovative research. It may throw light, for example, on the meaning and function of archaeological artefacts and moments today, on traditional medicine and its healing properties or on sustainable practices in a world of increasing environmental degradation.