Chair's Briefing Notes · Movement 3 · Afrikan Spirituality
Ancestral communion and state heritage projects
Chaired by Kevin Farmer, Barbadian Deputy Director, Barbados Museum and Historical Society (BMHS) · Executive Secretary, Codrington Trust
Topic Summary
This session explores the intersection of ancestral communion and living spiritual practice with state-led heritage, archaeology, and memory projects. Presenters will examine the tensions and possibilities between living spiritual traditions and the institutionalisation, curation, and politicisation of heritage, and how communities and states might work together more respectfully.
Speakers (alphabetical)
Dr. Matthew C. Reilly
Presenter
American Associate Professor of Anthropology & Interdisciplinary Programs, The City College of New York (CUNY)
Dr. Matthew C. Reilly is an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Interdisciplinary Programs at the City College of New York and co-subfield coordinator for archaeology at the CUNY Graduate Center.
Dr. Tara Inniss
Presenter
Barbadian Lecturer in History & Coordinator, Heritage Studies, UWI Cave Hill
Dr. Tara A. Inniss is a Lecturer in the Department of History and Philosophy at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, and Coordinator of the MA Heritage Studies programme.
Kevin Farmer
Chair
Barbadian Deputy Director, Barbados Museum and Historical Society (BMHS) · Executive Secretary, Codrington Trust
Centre for Hybrid Studies · Global Freedom Festival 2026