When we talk about cultural heritage, one term stands out that is almost obligatory for us to understand this whole concept: patrimonialization (or heritagization ).
In today’s article, we’ll look at this big word – patrimonialization – and the importance of the process for cultural heritage.
Text: Vanessa Miranda, author of the Guide to Heritage Preservation
You can also read this post: Português | Español
Cultural Heritage and Patrimonialization
Understanding cultural heritage
Cultural heritage assumes significant importance for contemporary society and is therefore a topic that cuts across many scientific areas.
This is because there is a great need to reflect on and learn about issues related to collective and social memory, the selection of elements from the past, social identity, the function of heritage, as well as the cultural manifestations of communities.
More than ever, there is a growing need to understand who we are and what our identity is.
It is within this reflective bubble that heritage is no longer just about the monumental, the historical or the artistic, but also becomes a collection – an infinite book where the past is interpreted from the present, according to selection and valuation criteria specific to each era.
Between past memories, it’s important to keep an eye on the needs of the present and the future!
What is patrimonialization
In simple terms, patrimonialization is a process that allows values, meanings, senses and uses to be attributed to objects, ways of life, know-how and social knowledge. To do this, it is essential to understand cultural heritage in its real social, cultural and economic context.
The origin of patrimonialization
This phenomenon of patrimonialization has its roots in a historical event that dates back to the Age of Enlightenment, during the dawn of the French Revolution.
During this period, the appropriation of the assets available to the nation was inventoried on the basis of the assets of the clergy and nobility. The new French government, the result of a resolution by the Constituent Assembly in 1789, fulfilled the state’s imperative to protect material heritage, including works of art and buildings.
It was from this historical moment that patrimonialization solidified as a decisive practice, with the aim of protecting tangible cultural goods.
However, it is important to remember that classified or distinguished heritage only corresponds to a selected and protected portion, through a discourse that is intended to be homogeneous.
The other side of patrimonialization
Patrimonialization also carries significant weight when there is a dispute over heritage, with a view to differentiating it from other assets.
In other words, when a cultural asset is of considerable importance and extends to more places, municipalities or regions, a dispute can arise over the rights to that asset.
An example of this is the many castles scattered throughout various Portuguese regions, which, although they are part of the region's cultural heritage, do not always represent the face of that area.We can also mention some UNESCO Intangible World Heritage classifications that encompass several countries and regions, such as the Mediterranean Diet (Cyprus, Croatia, Spain, Greece, Italy, Morocco and Portugal).
This process of attributing meaning to an object or asset, even if carried out by the public authorities, should be enjoyed by the community in general, with a view to economic development and strengthening collective identity.
In addition, patrimonialization – the attribution of meanings or values – can generate moments of tension, negotiations or conflicts between the visions of experts and local inhabitants.
To avoid such conflicts, it is essential, through a broad vision, to pay attention to and respect what that asset or object means to the inhabitants. After all, not all culture can or should be heritageized.
Patrimonialization tends to attribute a character of permanence, while culture is constantly changing.
Cultural heritage functions almost as a foundation, a concept of order and social cohesion, which, in order to achieve its status, needs to go through a process of meanings, values and attention – patrimonialization.
This phenomenon (re)signifies and revalues objects or goods. However, a challenge remains: the constant destruction of heritage.
We’ll reflect on this in an upcoming article
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Frequently Asked Questions about Heritage Making (Patrimonialization)
What is patrimonialization?
Patrimonialization is the process through which cultural assets, traditions, places, objects, or practices are recognized as heritage because of their historical, cultural, artistic, scientific, or social significance. It involves identifying, valuing, protecting, and transmitting heritage to future generations.
What is the difference between cultural heritage and patrimonialization?
Cultural heritage refers to the tangible and intangible assets that a society considers valuable. Patrimonialization is the process by which these assets acquire heritage status through recognition, interpretation, and preservation.
Why is patrimonialization important?
Patrimonialization helps safeguard cultural heritage, strengthens cultural identity, preserves collective memory, promotes education and research, and encourages the sustainable use of heritage for present and future generations.
Does patrimonialization only apply to monuments?
No. While it was initially associated with monuments and historic buildings, patrimonialization now also includes intangible cultural heritage, such as traditions, languages, crafts, rituals, music, festivals, and traditional knowledge.
When did the concept of patrimonialization emerge?
The origins of patrimonialization can be traced back to the French Revolution, when governments began identifying and protecting cultural assets of public interest. Since then, the concept has expanded to include a much broader understanding of cultural heritage.
Who decides whether something becomes heritage?
Heritage recognition may involve governments, cultural institutions, heritage professionals, researchers, international organizations, and local communities. Today, community participation is considered an essential part of the patrimonialization process.
Is patrimonialization the same as heritage protection?
No. Patrimonialization is the process of recognizing and assigning heritage value to cultural assets. Heritage protection includes the legal, administrative, and conservation measures implemented to safeguard those assets.
Can patrimonialization have negative effects?
Yes. If not managed carefully, patrimonialization may lead to over-tourism, commercialization, loss of authenticity, or conflicts between heritage conservation and the needs of local communities.
Does every cultural asset need to be patrimonialized?
No. Not every cultural expression requires formal heritage recognition. Patrimonialization should reflect the significance of cultural assets for society while respecting their evolving nature and the values of the communities connected to them.
How is patrimonialization related to conservation and restoration?
Patrimonialization identifies and recognizes the cultural value of heritage, while conservation and restoration focus on preserving its physical condition, authenticity, and historical significance for future generations.
Vanessa Miranda
Telling and writing stories, that’s how I remember myself being all my life. I have a degree in Tourism Management and a Master’s degree in Cultural Heritage. This passion led me to create a small company of carefully planned tourist activities centered on the history of Lisbon and the often forgotten and underestimated history of women.
As well as walking tours of the city, I work as a content consultant in the development and production of tourist itinerary content for the Walkbox app. I write opinion articles for a newspaper in Madeira and another in Barcelos. Driven by values, I volunteer for an association where I take on the role of content creator and manager.