Heritage And The Making Of (Trans-)Local Identities: A Case Study From The Curonian Spit (Lithuania)

Heritage production on the Curonian Spit reflects shifting political ideologies and trans-local identity formation. During Nazi rule, Curonian heritage was framed through national-socialist narratives, while Soviet governance recontextualized it under socialist ideology, effectively Lithuanianizing local history despite demographic upheavals post-World War II. The study demonstrates how heritage discourse serves as a tool for constructing and legitimizing political affiliations, particularly in regions with fluid national boundaries. By analyzing historical documentation and local narratives, the research highlights the tension between authentic cultural preservation and state-driven reinterpretation, offering insights into the malleability of heritage under authoritarian regimes.

Peleikis, A. (2010). Heritage And The Making Of (Trans-)Local Identities: A Case Study From The Curonian Spit (Lithuania). Translocality, 229–247. https://doi.org/10.1163/ej.9789004181168.i-452.61