Publications
La configuración del campo patrimonial colombiano: revisitando la conformación del Parque Arqueológico de San Agustín (1931-1939)
The establishment of Colombia's San Agustín Archaeological Park (1931–1939) marked a pivotal shift in the country's heritage conservation landscape, transitioning from fragmented legal frameworks to a structured approach centered on protecting archaeological sites as 'public utility.' This study reveals how Law 103 of 1931 formalized national identity through heritage, while exposing tensions between Bogotá’s centralized administration and local Huila realities. It also critiques the colonial intellectual practices of foreign researchers, who often excluded local knowledge in favor of extractive scientific methods. By analyzing historical records and legal texts, the research highlights the role of political elites and social capital in shaping Colombia's early heritage governance.
Transformaciones en la percepción del patrimonio arqueológico: la fotografía como estrategia de apropiación social en el programa World Heritage Volunteers en San Agustín, Huila
Photography emerges as a powerful tool for transforming public perception of archaeological heritage, fostering deeper social engagement and identity connection. A study conducted with volunteers from the World Heritage Volunteers program at San Agustín Archaeological Park in Colombia revealed that photography workshops shifted participants' perceptions from a merely tourist-focused view to one rooted in cultural identity. Through surveys and photographic analysis, researchers demonstrated how this artistic approach democratizes access to archaeological knowledge, enabling individuals to uncover details, construct personal narratives, and adopt active roles in heritage preservation. This finding underscores the potential of participatory methodologies to strengthen community ties and collective memory at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Turismo patrimonial como estrategia de desarrollo local: un análisis socioeconómico de su incidencia en el municipio de San Agustín (Colombia)
Heritage tourism in San Agustín, Colombia, significantly boosts local socioeconomic development but faces challenges in accessibility and profitability. A mixed-methods study revealed high visitor satisfaction with infrastructure, with guests spending between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000 per stay. However, stakeholders identified gaps in promotion and economic sustainability, emphasizing the need for improved governance and diversification of tourism experiences. The research highlights that balancing economic growth with cultural preservation requires stronger infrastructure, participatory collaboration, and enhanced heritage appreciation to ensure long-term destination sustainability.
Archeological Collections of the MAE RAS on the Latin America Region
A comprehensive review of the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (MAE RAS) collections reveals over 3,000 archaeological items from Latin America, including previously unpublished materials. The study clarifies the origins, provenance, and historical context of these collections, addressing gaps in documentation. Notably, it highlights the significance of the San Agustín stone statues collection and contributes to resolving the 'mystery' surrounding their craftsmanship and cultural significance. The research synthesizes existing literature by specialists like B. V. Lukin, Yu. E. Berezkin, R. V. Kinzhalov, M. Velazquez, and A. V. Tabarev, while providing new insights into the exchange history with institutions such as the Ethnographic Museum in Buenos Aires.
Estudio del origen de algunas piezas arqueológicas elaboradas con obsidianas prehispánicas de Colombia usando fluorescencia de rayos X
A groundbreaking X-ray fluorescence (XRF) study reveals that obsidian artifacts from the San Agustín Archaeological Park, Colombia, did not originate from nearby geological sources. Instead, these pre-Hispanic tools and weapons likely traveled long distances through ancient trade networks. Researchers analyzed 21 archaeological pieces dating from the Early Formative to Recent periods alongside geological samples from five Colombian regions and one in Ecuador. The findings demonstrate that local populations relied on obsidians sourced from distant volcanic outcrops, challenging assumptions about regional material use. This study validates XRF as a robust method for tracing provenance in archaeology, offering new insights into pre-Hispanic trade and cultural exchange across South America.
Ingenieros y fortificaciones en La Florida española. El presidio de San Agustín: 1565-1821
Spanish engineers played a pivotal role in shaping the defenses and urban development of San Agustín, the capital of Spanish Florida from 1565 to 1821. This study reveals how the Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército, as the sole specialized body, designed fortifications and controlled territorial structures, extending beyond mere defense to influence city planning. Analyzing archival documents from Spain, Britain, and France, researchers examined the defensive features built between the 16th and 18th centuries, linking them to contemporary military treatises and theoretical foundations of engineering education. The findings highlight the engineers' dual responsibility for military strategy and urban development, offering new insights into the architectural evolution of a frontier society.
Análisis de la competitividad de asociaciones de productores que prestan servicios ecoturísticos en los municipios de San Agustín y Pitalito, departamento del Huila (Colombia)
Rural ecotourism in the UNESCO-listed San Agustín Archaeological Park, Colombia, currently lacks competitiveness despite its significant cultural and environmental potential. A 2015 study analyzing 11 producer associations in San Agustín and Pitalito found that while these communities offer unique heritage resources—including pre-Columbian archaeological sites and the Colombian Massif’s natural beauty—they remain underdeveloped due to limited investment, weak innovation, and gaps in market access. The research, employing a mixed-methods approach with surveys based on competitive tourism management models, evaluated four key areas: innovation capacity, business opportunities, cooperation, and financing. Findings indicate that substantial improvements in infrastructure, training, and partnerships are needed to transform ecotourism into a viable economic driver for rural communities.
Cien años de la cultura agustiniana: reflexiones acerca de un propósito convertido en despropósito
A critical reflection on the current management of San Agustín Archaeological Park reveals a shift from its original purpose to one marked by discontent, particularly concerning community engagement and political dynamics. The study examines the 2013 declaration of the Year of Augustinian Culture and the controversy surrounding the exhibition 'The Return of the Idols,' highlighting how the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH) has approached conservation and community relations. It frames this analysis through Jacques Rancière's concept of politics as a space for dissent, contrasting it with state/police power structures. The research underscores tensions between heritage preservation efforts and the needs or perspectives of local communities in San Agustín and Isnos.
A New Approach for Documentation, Conservation and Preservation of the Monolithic Statues in San Agustín as Pilot for Outdoor Cultural Heritage Documentation in Colombia
A new approach integrating advanced technologies, particularly 3D modeling, has been successfully applied to document, conserve, and preserve the monolithic statues at San Agustín Archaeological Park in Colombia. The study, conducted by the Instituto Colombiano de Antropología e Historia (ICANH), utilized infrared structured-light (SL) and phase shift (PS) laser scanning technologies to create detailed 3D models of 66 sculptures. While the initial phase identified areas for improvement, such as increasing mesh detail for more precise conservation efforts, it established a robust methodology that can serve as a pilot model for other heritage sites in Colombia. The findings highlight the potential and challenges of using these technologies for outdoor cultural heritage documentation, offering valuable insights for future preservation projects.
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