In the public domain, heritage is perceived and widely appreciated in relation to stories which people tell about themselves. This applies in particular to the perception of cultural heritage in public life within so-called Western societies. Intriguingly, heritage is here often not valued for its literal content, that is, what it reveals about a past reality, but for its metaphorical content, that is, the stories it evokes about present reality. Such stories may establish social distinction through the onlooker’s display of knowledge that is considered desirable; they may manifest belonging through symbolic references of heritage to a common past suggesting a shared collective identity; or they may describe alternative ways of life which can stimulate audiences in the process of reconsidering their own lives. All such stories are sometimes used politically or for commercial purposes.