Abstract
In 2013, Derry~Londonderry became the inaugural UK City of Culture. Given tensions between national and unionist versions of history, the title generated considerable debate on the location of Derry~Londonderry's culture within a UK and/or Irish context. All this had implications for the character of Columba/Colmcille, who had been appropriated by competing secular andreligious versions of history in the past and who featured prominently in the year-long celebrations. This essay explores the layering and cultural appropriation of the narrative of Columba/Colmcille over the centuries and the reshaping of this narrative in anticipation of the yearof UK City of Culture. It contextualises the emergence of a fresh narrative in the new political context which seeks to redefine the city as a common heritage space for a previously divided people.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 42-58 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Anthropological Journal of European Cultures |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2013 |
Keywords
- Columba/Colmcille
- Cultural appropriation
- Cultural politics
- Northern Ireland
- Symbols
- UK City of Culture