The present article explores Brazilian ethnic heritage policies in the light of land ownership. While focusing on former Maroon communities ? known as the ?remnants of the Quilombos? ? we analyse how and why the general consensus regarding cultural heritage can fall apart in the course of implementing these policies, especially when they appear to interfere with land tenure. In Brazil, most ethnic policies are accompanied by land restitution procedures. Cultural heritage is no longer just a question of identity and memory: it affects the very sensitive question of land reform. By superimposing ethnic claims and land ownership in a country where land distribution remains dramatically unequal, legislators have opened up a Pandora?s Box full of promises, frustrations and conflicts.; The present article explores Brazilian ethnic heritage policies in the light of land ownership. While focusing on former Maroon communities ? known as the ?remnants of the Quilombos? ? we analyse how and why the general consensus regarding cultural heritage can fall apart in the course of implementing these policies, especially when they appear to interfere with land tenure. In Brazil, most ethnic policies are accompanied by land restitution procedures. Cultural heritage is no longer just a question of identity and memory: it affects the very sensitive question of land reform. By superimposing ethnic claims and land ownership in a country where land distribution remains dramatically unequal, legislators have opened up a Pandora?s Box full of promises, frustrations and conflicts.
