Archaeology in Laos: Cultural Heritage Management in a Non-Linear Context

Abstract

Working with the Lao cultural heritage management in Vientiane has given archaeologist Anna Kalstrom, among other things, new perspectives on Swedish and European heritage management. This may seem a bit strange, as most of the guidelines and regulations directing heritage management in Southeast Asia are developed within an European frame of reference, i.e. through UNESCO, ICCROM, ICOMOS, etc.. In this article, she shares her experience of working in Laos, and suggests a more questioning attitude in cultural heritage management.