5 Fascinating Examples of Intangible Cultural Heritage from Around the World
Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is defined by UNESCO as 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.” This type of heritage is not physical or tangible, which adds to its uniqueness and significance. In this article, we’ll explore 5 fascinating examples of intangible cultural heritage from around the world.
The Maasai’s Jumping Dance
The Maasai, a semi-nomadic tribe living in the East African countries of Kenya and Tanzania, have a rich cultural heritage that includes their famous jumping dance. This dance is usually performed by young men and is meant to demonstrate strength and agility. During the dance, participants jump as high as they can while trying to maintain a straight posture. It’s quite a sight to see, and the dance is often performed at special events such as weddings or celebrations.
The Chinese Art of Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage
China has a long and rich cultural history, and their art is a significant part of their heritage. The Chinese have a tradition of creating tangible and intangible art that has survived for thousands of years. From the world-famous Chinese ceramics and porcelain to the ancient Chinese martial art called Tai Chi, China’s tangible cultural heritage is diverse and fascinating. Their intangible heritage includes painting, calligraphy, music, and dance, all of which have survived the passage of time.
Wayang Kulit in Indonesia
Wayang Kulit is a type of shadow puppetry that originated in Indonesia. The puppets are made of leather and are controlled by a puppeteer behind a screen, with a light source behind him casting the shadow of the puppet on the screen. The performance often includes jokes, music, and storytelling. Wayang Kulit is an integral part of Indonesian culture, and it’s often performed at important events such as weddings or religious ceremonies.
The Spanish Flamenco
Spain is known for its passionate culture, and Flamenco is a type of music and dance that embodies that passion. It originated in the Andalusian region of Spain and is often performed with a guitar, dancing, and singing. Flamenco is a way of expressing emotions such as joy, grief, or love, and it’s often performed at festivals or celebrations.
The Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories in Australia
The Aboriginal Dreamtime stories are an integral part of the culture of Australia’s indigenous peoples. These stories are passed down from generation to generation through oral tradition and feature myths, legends, and fables. The stories are often used to teach life lessons or to explain natural phenomena. The stories are believed to be an essential part of preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of Aboriginal communities.
Conclusion
Intangible cultural heritage is an important part of our collective cultural history. These examples illustrate the diversity and richness of intangible heritage from around the world. From the Maasai’s jumping dance in Africa to the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories in Australia, these cultural practices have survived the passage of time and continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by people all over the world.
