Anthropologists between museum and heritage

Abstract

This contribution explores the evolving role of anthropological museums, particularly demo-ethno-anthropological institutions, in contemporary society. It delves into how these museums serve as "hyperplaces" that embody both niche and arena functions, influencing local and global interactions, sustainable tourism, and the preservation of historical experiences. The text examines the shift in the perception of museums from static repositories to dynamic spaces of cultural connectivity and social engagement. It highlights the contrast between the French approach, which emphasizes social memory over tangible artifacts, and the Italian focus on the physical and embodied heritage. The study underscores the museum's role as a connective function linking various societal elements, from the living and the dead to past and future experiences. It also discusses the challenges and potentialities within the field of museum anthropology, advocating for a perspective that views museums as active resources for cultural and developmental growth.