Decolonizing Heritage: Time to Repair in Senegal

Senegal's UNESCO World Heritage sites, which reflect the country's French colonial past, are explored in this book. It investigates how Senegal is reinterpreting these sites to imagine its own national future, considering the impact of Léopold Sédar Senghor's philosophy of Négritude. By conceiving World Heritage sites as archives of an Afrotopia to come, Senegal is able to repair the legacies of colonialism and slave trade.

Format: Hardback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Senegal stands out prominently on the UNESCO World Heritage List, boasting a rich cultural heritage that reflects its historical ties with the French empire. However, as an independent nation, how does Senegal navigate the complex legacy of colonialism? How does it reinterpret slave barracks, colonial museums, and monuments to empire, shaping its own national future? This captivating book delves into the process of Senegal's decolonization of its cultural heritage. Through the lens of Léopold Sédar Senghor's philosophy of Négritude, Ferdinand de Jong explores how Senegal reinterprets its colonial past, enabling it to overcome the profound legacies of the slave trade, colonialism, and empire.

In his insightful analysis, de Jong demonstrates how Senegal's reinterpretation of heritage sites plays a pivotal role in shaping its national identity. By embracing and celebrating its African heritage, Senegal seeks to transcend the negative consequences of its colonial past. World Heritage sites, in this context, become repositories of an Afrotopian future, symbolizing Senegal's commitment to a decolonized and inclusive society.

De Jong further highlights how these heritage sites contribute to the healing process of colonial time. By acknowledging the pain and suffering inflicted by the past, Senegal can work towards reconciliation and healing. These sites serve as reminders of the rich cultural and historical diversity of the African continent, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among its citizens.

Moreover, de Jong's book sheds light on the broader implications of Senegal's decolonization of its cultural heritage. It challenges the dominant narratives of Western colonialism and highlights the agency and resilience of African nations in shaping their own futures. Senegal's reinterpretation of heritage sites demonstrates the power of cultural heritage to promote social justice, equality, and cultural diversity.

In conclusion, Senegal's journey of decolonization of its cultural heritage is a testament to the resilience and creativity of African nations. Through the reinterpretation of heritage sites, Senegal is able to overcome the legacies of colonialism, foster a sense of national identity, and contribute to the healing of historical wounds. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of decolonization and the role of cultural heritage in shaping the future.

Weight: 584g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316514535
Edition number: New ed