Heritage is not just physical objects, but also a sense of identity and shared values that unite communities. Unfortunately, it can be subject to destruction by a variety of means, including the deliberate targeting of heritage sites and distorted or ahistoric interpretations.
What we consider cultural heritage varies greatly and depends on factors like politics, economics, social values, and privilege/marginalization.
Material
Material cultural heritage consists of a wide variety of artifacts, such as paintings, books, and buildings. It also includes non-physical characteristics that define a culture, such as languages, traditions and beliefs.
These objects can reveal historical narratives, highlighting continuity and change over time. Preserving these artifacts can foster pride in the past and help communities navigate societal shifts.
The field of material culture has a long history, but it has only recently become more explicit in anthropological work. It has a broad interdisciplinary appeal and is often related to issues in archaeology, ethnology, and sociology. Several edited collections and single-authored texts have been published that attempt to draw together key works in the area. These include Woodward 2007 and Buchli 2002. These publications are especially useful for undergraduate students.
Intangible
Aside from artifacts and buildings, the intangible heritage of a people includes expressions, knowledge and skills that cannot be exhibited or stored in museums. They can be transmitted and inherited only through the cultural vehicles (also known as human treasures) who express them, such as languages, songs, drama, cuisine, and crafts.
This intangible heritage is more difficult to protect as it is constantly evolving, but the 2003 Convention aims to preserve it by protecting its continuity rather than trying to freeze it in some eternal state. The emphasis is on communities, groups and individuals being responsible for creating, maintaining and transmitting ICH.
Integrating ICH into curriculum can offer students the opportunity to learn from living heritage bearers, and to connect past to present. Browse the clearinghouse for projects and tools that can be used in this context.
Social
Cultural heritage is a vital part of individuals, communities and societies. It is a source of identity, well-being and decision making. But what constitutes heritage can change from one time to the next.
In addition to enhancing historical and cultural continuity, the preservation of heritage properties also fosters social cohesion. It enables the community to visualize its past and envision its future. It is a critical factor for sustainable development.
The present study aimed to examine the practice of cultural heritage conservation in the North Shoa Zone, central Ethiopia using multiple data gathering instruments. Quantitative data were collected via questionnaire survey whereas qualitative data was obtained through interviews and focus group discussions. The results showed that lack of proper management, monitoring and evaluation, illicit trafficking, promotion towards sustainable development, natural catastrophes and agricultural practices, lack of stakeholder involvement and population settlement, and the local community’s positive attitude towards cultural heritage were significant factors for the practice of cultural heritage conservation (Table 1). A multiple linear regression model was used to test the hypothesis.
Political
When we think about cultural heritage, it usually brings to mind art (paintings, drawings, prints), monuments, buildings, and archaeological sites. However, intangible cultural heritage also includes beliefs, languages, traditions, folklore, cuisine and other facets of a culture that help define a sense of identity.
Moreover, some research has highlighted that it is possible to use heritage as a political tool: a ‘heritage from below’ can counter the hegemony of official heritage by promoting more local forms of identity (Kaya Citation2020).
In addition, the community that lives with the cultural heritage has a huge role in its sustainability. This is because the heritage they steward, connect to, and maintain with their natural environment creates a sense of identity and continuity. Consequently, military intervention to protect cultural heritage should be undertaken only when it is instrumental in preserving civilian life or protecting culturally significant objects from deliberate destruction.
Economic
When economists started to address the issue of cultural heritage, skeptics were afraid that the discipline would convert all values to monetary terms. But research in this area has taken some innovative directions in recent years.
Economically, the value of cultural heritage includes both market (use) and non-market (non-use) values. Market values are related to the commercial exploitation of cultural heritage assets such as monuments, museums and other buildings. Non-market values include the religious, historical, social, aesthetic and identity value of heritage as a public good.
Intangible cultural heritage includes oral traditions, folklore and proverbs; traditional art forms such as music and dance; unique regional dialects and languages; and traditional craftsmanship. It also encompasses natural landscapes that have a spiritual and historical importance. This heritage provides a basis for tourism and stimulates local economies.