When we think of cultural heritage, our minds immediately turn to artifacts such as historical buildings and monuments, archaeological sites or works of art. However, the definition of heritage is broader than that and includes intangible as well as tangible forms of culture.
The value of cultural heritage to a country depends on the way it is protected and used. As such, it is important to protect this heritage from illicit trafficking or pillaging.
What is cultural heritage?
When people hear the term “cultural heritage,” they often think of art (paintings, drawings, prints, mosaics, sculptures), historical monuments and buildings, or archaeological sites. This is only part of the picture, though. Cultural heritage also includes intangible heritage, such as traditions, oral history and social practices.
Ultimately, culture and heritage are the values and beliefs that make up unique communities throughout the world. These values are important, both to individuals and to society as a whole. This is why it’s important to protect cultural heritage from destruction or distorted interpretations.
Many organizations, from local governments to UNESCO, work to protect cultural heritage at the national or international level. But these efforts are not without their challenges, especially when it comes to protecting delicate historical documents. Using tools like Transkribus to digitally transcribe and enrich handwritten records can help to make cultural heritage more accessible to future generations. In this way, preserving and promoting cultural heritage can help to ensure that it continues to be passed down from generation to generation.
What is tangible heritage?
When people think of cultural heritage, they often imagine artifacts like paintings, drawings, prints, mosaics, sculptures and other architectural and historical structures. However, it is a broad concept that also encompasses natural heritage sites and the cultural landscape of a region.
Tangible heritage is physical artefacts undergoing maintenance and intergenerational transmission in a culture. It includes archaeological sites, buildings of traditional and historical value and monuments. It also refers to artistic creations such as works of art and musical instruments.
Intangible cultural heritage, on the other hand, are a group of practices and expressions that belong to a specific culture. This nonphysical intellectual wealth can range from folklore and customs to beliefs, traditions, knowledge and language. Intangible cultural heritage can also be found in dances such as tango, flamenco and kimchi-making in Korea, music such as the indigenous Day of the Dead music from Mexico or a specific type of craftsmanship handed down from generation to generation.
What is intangible heritage?
Intangible cultural heritage refers to the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills that communities and groups recognise as their cultural heritage (UNESCO, 2003). It is not limited by physical characteristics, and it often transcends societal boundaries. For example, painters and musicians can learn from each other across cultures that may seem far apart in terms of geography and time, such as Paul Gauguin’s use of Japanese prints or Liberian homes built in the neoclassical style inspired by American mansions on African plantations.
UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List now includes 678 elements from 140 countries. Locally, Sherbrooke’s intangible heritage features on the list including a baguette-making technique, the rumba (rhythmic music mixing drumming of enslaved Africans with melodies of Spanish colonists), and narrative pottery made by highland women. It also includes the stoop dance of the indigenous Quechua people of Peru, a tradition that celebrates women’s social independence. The mhist is committed to preserving Sherbrooke’s intangible cultural heritage through an inventory project commissioned in 2016 by Marie-Blanche Fourcade and through participation in various events, such as the Journees de la culture (2018) and Danse Trad (2019 and 2020).
What are the challenges to preserving cultural heritage?
Cultural heritage preservation is often a long-term process that requires significant financial resources. In addition, the need for preservation efforts to be inclusive of all members of a community is essential. This can be achieved through initiatives such as making museums and archaeological sites accessible to people with disabilities or offering guided tours in multiple languages.
Other challenges to preserving cultural heritage include natural disasters, neglect, and political instability or conflict. Natural disasters can cause irreparable damage to cultural artifacts and sites. Neglect refers to a lack of conservation efforts, which can lead to the deterioration of heritage items over time. Conflict can result in the destruction or looting of cultural property. This can be done by individuals or groups, including warring factions in a country or economic development projects that destroy historical buildings and landmarks.
Another challenge is the lack of awareness among individuals about the importance of preserving their own culture. This can lead to a disconnect between generations and a loss of cultural identity.