Abstract

GARCIA BENGOECHEA, Pablo. Archaeological Heritage, puesta en valor and Restoration in Ollantaytambo. Anthropologica [online]. 2022, vol.40, n.48, pp.255-285.  Epub Aug 29, 2022. ISSN 0254-9212.  http://dx.doi.org/10.18800/anthropologica.202201.009.

This article examines the history of restoration work carried out over the last forty years or so in the Inca site of Ollantaytambo, in the Cusco region. The information gathered comes mainly from interviews conducted with professionals relevant for the study, as well as from archival work. Rather than dwelling on the appropriateness or not of the technical solutions implemented from the point of view of international standards and expectations, the focus lies on the underlying reasons that have driven changes on the site’s physical appearance. Factors like restoration principles at play during the different interventions, the role of photography and visibility, the delicate relationship between tangible and intangible heritage, and the influence of tourism in an area visually inspired by the powerful imaginaries of Machu Picchu are explored. It is argued that the history of restorations on site is problematic in ways that invite critical reassessment and engagement with international debates on conservation and restoration concepts and practices, like authenticity.

Keywords : Ollantaytambo; archaeological restoration; production of Inca ruins; puesta en valor; tourism.

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