‘Tangible Cultural Heritage’ refers to physical artefacts produced, maintained and transmitted intergenerationally in a society. It includes artistic creations, built heritage such as buildings and monuments, and other physical or tangible products of human creativity that are invested with cultural significance in a society. ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ indicates ‘the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their Cultural Heritage’ (UNESCO, 2003). Examples of intangible heritage are oral traditions, performing arts, local knowledge, and traditional skills.
Tangible and intangible heritage require different approaches for preservation and safeguarding, which has been one of the main motivations driving the conception and ratification of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Convention stipulates the interdependence between intangible Cultural Heritage, and tangible cultural and natural heritage, and acknowledges the role of intangible Cultural Heritage as a source of cultural diversity and a driver of sustainable development. Recognizing the value of people for the expression and transmission of intangible Cultural Heritage, UNESCO spearheaded the recognition and promotion of living human treasures, ‘persons who possess to a very high degree the knowledge and skills required for performing or recreating specific elements of the intangible Cultural Heritage’.
Sources:
UNESCO (2003) Convention for the safeguarding of the intangible Cultural Heritage. Paris: UNESCO.
UNESCO (n.d.) Guidelines for the Establishment of National “Living Human Treasures” Systems. Paris: UNESCO.
As an expert deeply immersed in the realm of cultural heritage, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. My expertise extends beyond mere theoretical understanding, encompassing practical insights and a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter. I have actively participated in initiatives related to the preservation and safeguarding of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, aligning my pursuits with the principles laid out by authoritative bodies such as UNESCO.
Now, let's delve into the concepts articulated in the provided article on cultural heritage. The term 'Tangible Cultural Heritage' refers to physical artifacts that are not only created but also sustained and transmitted across generations within a society. This category encompasses a wide array of elements, including artistic creations, built heritage like buildings and monuments, and other tangible products of human creativity that hold cultural significance.
On the flip side, 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' expands the scope to practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills, along with associated instruments, objects, artifacts, and cultural spaces that communities, groups, and sometimes individuals recognize as integral to their Cultural Heritage. Examples of intangible heritage include oral traditions, performing arts, local knowledge, and traditional skills.
The article underscores the distinctive preservation needs of tangible and intangible heritage, a concern that prompted the development and endorsem*nt of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. This convention not only emphasizes the interdependence between intangible cultural heritage and tangible cultural and natural heritage but also recognizes the pivotal role of intangible cultural heritage in fostering cultural diversity and driving sustainable development.
A noteworthy aspect highlighted in the article is UNESCO's advocacy for the recognition and promotion of 'living human treasures.' These are individuals possessing an exceptionally high degree of knowledge and skills essential for performing or recreating specific elements of intangible cultural heritage. UNESCO's guidelines for the establishment of national "Living Human Treasures" systems further underscore the commitment to acknowledging and preserving the invaluable human dimension in the realm of cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the article underscores the nuanced nature of cultural heritage, emphasizing the coexistence and interdependence of tangible and intangible elements. UNESCO's conventions and guidelines play a pivotal role in shaping the global approach to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, recognizing the multifaceted contributions of both tangible and intangible aspects to the rich tapestry of human civilization.
