European University Institute Library

Remembering independence, Carola Lentz and David Lowe

eng

Includes bibliographical references and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Remembering independence

bibliography

1005776290

Carola Lentz and David Lowe

Remembering the modern world

'Remembering Independence explores the commemoration and remembrance of independence following the great wave of decolonisation after the Second World War. Drawing on case studies from Africa, Asia, and with reference to the Pacific, the authors find that remembering independence was, and still is, highly dynamic. From flag-raising moments to the present day, the transfer of authority from colonial rule to independent nation-states has served as a powerful mnemonic focal point. Remembering independence, in state as well as non-state constructions, connects to changing contemporary purposes and competing politic visions. Independence is a flexible idea, both a moment in time and a project, a carrier of hopes and ideals of social justice and freedom, but also of disappointments and frustrated futures. This richly illustrated volume draws attention to the broad range of media employed in remembering independence, ranging from museums and monuments to textual, oral and ritual formats of commemorative events, such as national days. Combining insights from history and anthropology, this book will be essential reading for all students of the history of empire, decolonisation, nation-building and post-colonial politics of memory.' --, Details from publisher

Remembering independence: concepts and media -- Independence days: evoking the past, contesting the present, building the future -- National heroes: making and unmaking the remembered -- Martyrs, victims and anti-heroes: revisiting the national gallery -- Regionalist aspirations and centres of state power: constructing a national mnemonic landscape -- Adjusting the clock: temporal flexibility in recalling independence -- Final reflections -- Appendix: country data