Performativity and Dynamics of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Abstract

The practices of intangible cultural heritage are central to the cultural heritage of humanity, which comprises practices from a plethora of different cultures as well as monuments listed as world cultural heritage. These oeuvres and practices play an important role in the cultural identity of human beings: “The ‘intangible cultural heritage’ means the practices, representation, 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” (UNESCO, 2003a, Article 2). These practices are manifested in the following domains:

(a) oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage; (b) performing arts; (c) social practices, rituals and festive events; (d) knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; (e) traditional craftsmanship.

(UNESCO, 2003a, Article 2; italics original)