The symbolic and emotive power of memorials is important for the structuring of post-violence societies and their political narratives in the international discourse on genocide and mass atrocity. At these sites and in discussions with various memory actors, the term 'authentic' is frequently used to describe the memorial spaces that commemorate and memorialise past atrocity. This paper discusses which elements of the sites are particularly important for creating spaces that are perceived as authentic and what significance this authenticity can have for the individuals. Of key interest, however, is also how this authenticity at times can be manufactured in order to increase certain effects the memorial is intending to provoke, while a lack of authenticity or unexpected forms of authenticity can undermine or at least juxtapose understandings. This paper draws on fieldwork at various memorials in Cambodia and Rwanda, including both analysis of the spaces themselves, as well as of conversations held with various memory actors at these spaces.
