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- Title
Unconscious Landscapes: Identifying with a Changing Vernacular in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
- Authors
Belz, Melissa M.
- Abstract
The ancient vernacular houses of Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh, India are a vital part of Himalayan material culture and the Kinnauri identity. The vernacular landscape of Kinnaur shows an evolution over time from the ancient vernacular house to what I call the classic vernacular house. The characteristic features of the classic vernacular style became evident over 50 years ago and today's blended landscape reflects the longevity of ancient styles alongside newer adaptations. Interviews exposed that local people overwhelmingly identify with the ancient vernacular elements of house construction. However, due to environmental pressures and desires to modernize, these features are no longer included in new construction. Therefore, a disconnection exists between what the Kinnauras believe represents their culture and the elements that actually distinguish their landscape today. This paper explores this paradox of an invisible vernacular landscape -- the unconscious, taken for granted part of daily existence. I propose that modernized landscapes can still be considered "vernacular" and iconic landscape features, and even when abandoned and derelict, still serve the emotional needs of the population.
- Subjects
HIMACHAL Pradesh (India); INDIA; HIMALAYA Mountains Region; VERNACULAR architecture; DOMESTIC architecture; KINNAURA (Indic people); CULTURAL landscapes; ASIA description &; travel
- Publication
Material Culture, 2013, Vol 45, Issue 2, p1
- ISSN
0883-3680
- Publication type
Article