Valorisation of the intangible Creole heritage in Mauritius: A case study

Reference to Foucault s concept of social discourse is drawn upon to analyse the valorisation process of Creole heritage, following three steps of evolution in the Republic of Mauritius: the colonial, postcolonial and Creole socio-discursive contexts. These two last decades, the process has led to many important achievements for the uplifting of Creole language, identity and music, particularly with the nomination by UNESCO of the Sega and the Sega tambour as intangible cultural heritage. Further examination of the social discourse of heritage and culture is drawn upon to inform key lessons learnt for future development from the Mauritius perspective and among Creole populations further afield.