Intangible heritage

Definition

Intangible heritage refers to the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage. This type of heritage encompasses oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, and festive events that are vital for the identity and continuity of cultural groups. Unlike tangible heritage, which includes physical objects and sites, intangible heritage emphasizes the importance of human creativity and social interactions in preserving cultural identities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intangible heritage is vital for community identity and is often passed down through generations via oral traditions and practices.
2. UNESCO recognized the importance of intangible heritage by establishing the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003.
3. Examples of intangible heritage include traditional music, dance, festivals, rituals, and craftsmanship that reflect the unique identity of communities.
4. The commodification of intangible heritage can lead to its commercialization, which may dilute its cultural significance or authenticity.
5. Heritage tourism often capitalizes on intangible heritage by offering experiences that allow visitors to engage with living cultural practices.

Review Questions

• How does intangible heritage contribute to community identity and continuity?
  • Intangible heritage plays a crucial role in shaping community identity by encapsulating the beliefs, customs, and practices that define a group's way of life. It helps individuals connect with their cultural roots and fosters a sense of belonging. Through oral traditions, performances, and social rituals, communities are able to pass down essential knowledge and values across generations, ensuring continuity and resilience in their cultural expressions.
• Discuss the impact of commodification on intangible heritage within the context of heritage tourism.
  • Commodification can significantly affect intangible heritage by transforming cultural expressions into marketable products for tourists. While this can provide economic benefits to communities involved in heritage tourism, it also risks altering or oversimplifying the original cultural practices. The authenticity of these traditions may be compromised as they are adapted for visitor consumption, leading to a potential disconnect between the performers' genuine expressions and tourists' expectations.
• Evaluate the role of UNESCO in safeguarding intangible heritage and its implications for cultural diversity.
  • UNESCO's efforts in safeguarding intangible heritage play a pivotal role in promoting cultural diversity on a global scale. By creating frameworks such as the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, UNESCO encourages countries to recognize and protect their unique cultural practices. This not only helps preserve diverse forms of expression but also raises awareness about the value of cultural identity in an increasingly globalized world. As communities strive to maintain their intangible heritage amidst modernization pressures, UNESCO's involvement fosters respect for cultural diversity while ensuring these traditions remain vibrant and relevant.

Related terms

Cultural Heritage:

The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations.

Folklore: The traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, and practices that are passed down through generations within a culture.

UNESCO: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which plays a significant role in recognizing and protecting both tangible and intangible heritage worldwide.