Droit et Cultures (Dec 2011)
La réinvention des routes incas : représentations et construction de la mémoire au Pérou (2001-2011)
Abstract
The «Qhapaq Ñan» (main Andean road) is a unprecedented example of institutionalization of memory in contemporary Peru, characterized by four aspects: the central role given to scientists and international organizations favors the emergence of patterns of development and heritage listing; the Peruvian State tends to stress a symbolic representation of territory for the benefit of a globalized audience; the «Peace march», a political initiative well grounded in the local context, was rewarded by significant popular success, but the elite did not follow it up; finally, sustainable tourism projects based on conservation and authenticity goals have failed to put their proposals in practice. The original objectives stressing participation of local communities were not achieved on a lasting basis. These findings underline conflicting issues of representation of the Peruvian Andean territory in the context of a pluricultural society.