Place of memory

a concept for the analysis of memorial struggles?

Abstract

Between 1984 and 1992, Pierre Nora coined the concept "place of memory" to designate those artifacts where collective memory crystallizes and takes refuge. A notion conceived to analyze French memory, it soon became embroiled in discussions on the appropriateness of its importation by other countries. Although it has been used in various empirical works in Latin America, little has been discussed about its theoretical relevance in the context of the memorial struggles that have occurred in this region. This article delves into its possible relevance in Latin America, especially in contexts of confrontations and memorial struggles, and in the history of the present time. For this purpose, the particular case of Uruguay and its recent past (pre-dictatorship and dictatorship) is taken up.