A diachronic analysis of the process of heritage management in Cambodia.

Abstract

This dissertation traces the process of heritage management at Angkor from the French colonial period to the present UNESCO World Heritage system. It develops the concept of a cultural heritage apparatus to examine the institutions, experts, laws, maps, conservation practices and development projects through which Angkor has been studied, restored and governed. The study draws on archival research, conservation plans, ICC-Angkor records, legislation, archaeological research, fieldwork, interviews and surveys with Cambodian archaeology students. It examines how heritage policy has shaped access to archaeology, professional training, sacred space, land use and decision-making. The dissertation argues that present-day heritage management at Angkor arose out of a longer history of colonial knowledge, international aid and state authority. It asks how international conservation efforts can better support Cambodian participation, meaningful capacity-building, human rights and local authority within the Angkor World Heritage Area.