Cultural management and the struggle for recognition in a multicultural nation: Ethnographic experiences among a group of rural musicians (Patía Cauca Colombia)

This article examines relationships between the rural black community of the municipality of Patía and the discourses of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). The goal is to analyze this group s struggle for ethnic recognition in Colombia. The article describes experiences of a group of musicians and farmers, contrasting state initiatives with the group s own efforts to strengthen its artistic and cultural expression. First, I problematize categories used in ICH discourse and give the historical context for the study. Next, I highlight contradictions in "salvage" discourse, noting its impact on individuals and groups. Finally, I question the hierarchical nature of ICH discourses, which frame cultural heritage as a question of property rather than one of meaning.