The Economy of the Sacred

In response to postcolonial critique, Dr Gilbert Rüegg analyses the mechanisms of symbolic appropriation in a globally networked world. The work develops a triadic analytical framework of semantics, performativity, and power to critically examine the commodification of the sacred. From the Benin Bronzes to spiritual wellness industries, Rüegg demonstrates how colonial continuities undermine the epistemic sovereignty of indigenous communities. The book provides a sophisticated typology of appropriation and outlines normative perspectives for a decolonial practice. It is a vital contribution to the debate on restitution, cultural integrity, and the ethical responsibility of scholarship within asymmetrical power relations.