The Richness of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Discovering the Invisible Threads that Connect Us
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage is what keeps the cultural roots of the world alive. It celebrates all of the invisible threads that connect us through traditions, customs, and expressions of our ancestors. It is the traditional know-how, language, rituals, and practices handed down from generation to generation that is expressed through dance, music, gastronomy, and other cultural expressions. UNESCO defines Intangible Cultural Heritage as, “the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artifacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups, and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.”
What is UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage?
The concept of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage was introduced in 2003 as a way to protect cultural heritage that was not physical, but instead based on knowledge, skills, and customs. UNESCO’s goal was to preserve and protect these practices from extinction and promote their development.
Intangible Cultural Heritage plays an essential role in maintaining cultural diversity, social cohesion, and sustainable development around the world. It promotes the importance of cultural heritage as a tool for dialogue and building bridges between different cultures.
Examples of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Intangible Cultural Heritage takes many forms around the world. Take, for example, the flamenco dance from southern Spain, which UNESCO added to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The dance originated in Spain over 200 years ago and incorporates music, dance, and costumes. Now, it is a globally recognized part of Spanish culture.
Another example is the ‘knowledge of the universe’ of the indigenous people of South Africa. This knowledge is based on the observation of the night sky and the interpretation of stars passed down from generation to generation for at least 7000 years.
Gastronomy is another important aspect of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Many nations around the world take pride in their cuisine, which reflects their history, geography, and cultural identity. Italy’s pizza-making, French cuisine, and Japanese sushi-making techniques are just a few examples of gastronomy that have been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The Importance of Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage
Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage is essential because it plays a vital role in our cultural identities, community life, and promotes cross-culture dialogue. By preserving these practices, we celebrate the diversity of humanity and promote greater understanding and respect between different cultures. Preserving cultural traditions also drives economic growth and job sustainability, particularly in the tourism industry.
Moreover, with the globalisation process, there is a risk of many cultural practices being lost due to the imposition of new cultural expressions. Therefore, it is essential to safeguard them with the help of UNESCO, which acts as a platform for the recognition, safeguarding, and development of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Conclusion
The richness of the world’s cultural heritage is immeasurable, and the preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage is crucial to maintain it. Through the recognition of Intangible Cultural Heritage, we can celebrate the connections and differences between communities, reinforce social bonds, promote mutual respect, and deepen our understanding of humanity. In this way, we can learn from the cultural heritage of those who came before us and lay a foundation for future generations.
