Reinterpreting Chinese vernacular architecture through actor-network: Creating heritage in Hong Kong’s northern New Territories
Heritage is often described as treasures inherited by a society. However, in the transformation of a traditional settlement, the interpretation of heritage can vary from one extreme to another. In this study, I examine the interpretation of Hong Kong heritage and how the establishment of the heritage trail in the villages reflected the identity issues associated with the traditional buildings envisaged by the indigenous inhabitants and the Hong Kong government. The indigenous inhabitants in the New Territories of Hong Kong maintain and restore their traditional architecture to reinforce their lineage identity and affirm their recognition by the state authorities. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the interpretation of heritage differs among agnates in the indigenous villages in the same cluster established by the same lineage. Using the establishment and continuous development of the last heritage trail in the New Territories as an example, I examine how lineage members manipulated their interpretation of heritage to enhance their social status vis-à-vis the Hong Kong government and what significance this had for the development of Hong Kong heritage in the post-1997 period. The symbolism and identity issues associated with architecture are further explored through the acting roles of buildings, government officials, and local elites, whose relationships were interwoven in an actor-network in the local society.
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