Social Anthropology

This essay focuses on changing discourses of heritage with reference to concepts of place broadly defined. Our virtual case study is Wim Wenders' series of documentaries entitled . In this series of 3D films, Wenders invited five other directors to give voice to their favourite buildings. The directors chose classic examples of Western heritage located primarily in European cities. Our contribution explores the human constructions assigned to these buildings and the implications of the anthropomorphisation of buildings for the concept of heritage. With reference to categories of tangible and intangible heritage, we ask whether giving voice to material artefacts challenges the material dominance of architecture for heritage, deepening our sense of place and constituting a step forward for a more dialogical approach to heritage generally. We query the extent to which this filmic anthology reinforces a hegemonic authorised heritage discourse or delivers a postmodern version of ‘spirit of place’. We ask whether this filmic adventure in 3D could effectively generate a new and (re)newed sense of place in other heritage contexts. Our hypothesis is set in the framework of various ICOMOS and UNESCO international charters.

This article offers a phenomenological account of the onset of war in the town of Man, western Côte d'Ivoire, in 2002. Based on recollections of ‘average’ people, the article depicts how the familiar social world was shattered with the violent occupation of the town by insurgent groups. Due to the novelty of the situation, people were unable to draw on past experiences and had difficulties imagining life under insurgent control. As a consequence, people's agency was reduced to ad‐hoc judgements. Sooner than one might expect, a process of familiarisation occurred that gradually allowed people to make more informed decisions.

Armbruster, Heidi. 2013. Keeping the faith: Syriac Christian diasporas. Canon Pyon: Sean Kingston Publishing. 288 pp. Hb.: US$105.00. ISBN: 978‐1907774294.