(Re)Contextualising the Venice Charter for the transcultural heritage of contested minorities: dilemmas in the preservation of Goan Oratorian churches in Sri Lanka
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14568/cp36912Keywords:
Sri Lankan Oratorian churches, Transcultural heritage, Contested minorities, Integrity and authenticity, Heritage chartersAbstract
The study of Catholic minorities in Sri Lanka is complex and multifaceted owing to their unique identities shaped by centuries of colonialism, migration and cultural exchange, originating a transcultural heritage that presents a range of complexities for safeguarding. The architecture of the Oratorian churches established by Goan missionaries in Sri Lanka between the 17th and 19th centuries is perhaps the best example of transcultural heritage among the island’s (often contested) Catholic minorities and is considered an exceptional and unique heritage that is nevertheless currently threatened. Drawing on practical experience, and subsequent debate, during preliminary visits to several sites in Sri Lanka with a view to identifying Oratorian churches as candidates for UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, this essay aims to address the dilemmas experienced, which highlight the need to (re)contextualise certain principles outlined in international heritage charters, especially concerning the preservation of transcultural heritage belonging to contested minorities.
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