Exploring the 3 Types of Cultural Heritage: Tangible, Intangible, and Natural
When we think of cultural heritage, the first thing that comes to mind are physical structures like buildings or monuments, but cultural heritage is much more than that. It’s a collection of tangible and intangible things that define a community’s identity, cultural values, traditions, and customs. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines cultural heritage as “the legacy of physical artefacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present, and bestowed for the benefit of future generations.”
Cultural heritage can be categorized into three major types: Tangible, Intangible, and Natural. Each type represents a unique aspect of cultural heritage that is valuable in its own way.
Tangible Cultural Heritage
Tangible Cultural Heritage refers to physical artifacts or structures that have cultural significance. These include monuments, art, archaeology sites, buildings, and historic cities. Tangible Heritage is something that can be touched, seen, and physically experienced. Some examples of tangible heritage are The Great Wall of China, The Colosseum in Rome, The Taj Mahal in India, and The Pyramids in Egypt. These physical structures are important because they provide a tangible link to past civilizations and are an essential part of cultural identity.
Intangible Cultural Heritage
Intangible Cultural Heritage refers to traditions, customs, practices, and expressions that are passed down from one generation to another. These include music, dance, storytelling, festivals, and traditional craftsmanship. Intangible Heritage is something that can only be experienced through participation, which makes it harder to preserve. An example of Intangible Heritage is the Japanese art of Sushi making. Sushi making is a traditional practice in Japan that is passed down from generation to generation. It requires a specific skill set and a deep understanding of the Japanese culture.
Natural Cultural Heritage
Natural Cultural Heritage refers to natural sites that have cultural significance. These include sites like national parks, landscapes, and seascapes. Natural Heritage is important because it provides a link between people and the natural world. It helps us understand how people interact with their environment and how it affects their culture. An example of Natural Heritage is the Grand Canyon in the United States. The Grand Canyon is not only a natural wonder, but it’s also a site that has cultural importance to many Native American tribes who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
In conclusion, Cultural Heritage represents a unique identity of a community. It is important to preserve and protect it from the modernization of our society. Understanding the different types of cultural heritage and their value in society is the first step towards conserving it for future generations. Cultural heritage is not only a link to our past, but it’s also a way to preserve our traditions, values, and customs for future generations to come.
