Contending heritage: paleolithic engravings, tourism, and the ghosts of the Côa Valley dam (Portugal)

Abstract

Heritage processes and the consequent tourism development of territories are often subject to discordant ambitions and interests, which result in intense social disputes. In this article we propose to analyze these contentions in the Côa Valley, Portugal. The valorization of the Paleolithic heritage (and tourism) in detriment to the construction of the hydroelectric dam has been the main subject of local disputes in recent decades over which is the best development path to follow. We begin from a stated emic perspective, trying to understand the tense diversity of opinions, experiences, and narratives of the natives in relation to the preservation and tourist exploitation of archaeological heritage. The empirical data that informs the analysis derives predominantly from ethnographic fieldwork carried out in Côa Valley and 15 semi-directed interviews with local inhabitants.