Intangible cultural heritage

In 2001, UNESCO made a survey[1] among states and NGOs to try to agree on a definition, and the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage[2] was drafted in 2003 for its protection and promotion.

Many parts of culture, however are intangible, including song, music, dance, drama, skills, cuisine, sport,[7] crafts, and festivals.

For the purposes of this Convention, consideration will be given solely to such intangible cultural heritage as is compatible with existing international human rights instruments, as well as with the requirements of mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals, and of sustainable development.Intangible cultural heritage is slightly different from the discipline of oral history, the recording, preservation and interpretation of historical information (specifically, oral tradition), based on the personal experiences and opinions of the speaker.

[citation needed] The UNESCO lists of intangible cultural heritage also include a variety of dance genres, often associated with singing, music and celebrations, from all over the world.

Dance is a complex phenomenon, which involves culture, traditions, the use of human bodies, artefacts (such as costumes and props), as well as a specific use of music, space and sometimes light.

As a result, a lot of tangible and intangible elements[14] are combined within dance, making it a challenging but interesting type of heritage to safeguard.

A 2006 report by the government of Newfoundland and Labrador said, regarding oral culture in their area, "The processes involved in the continuation of this traditional knowledge constitute one of the most interesting aspects of our living heritage.

[citation needed] According to academic Yi Sun publishing in 2024, "China has played an increasingly dynamic role in energizing" the Intangible Cultural Heritage Cooperation program.

[29]: 157 Recently there has been much debate over protecting intangible cultural heritage through intellectual property rights, as well as the desirability to do so through this legal framework and the risks of commodification derived from this possibility.

The Viennese coffee house culture, a special form of cultural heritage [ 3 ]
A painting on an ancient Greek vase depicts a music lesson ( c. 510 BC )
Noh mask. Japan was the first country to introduce legislation to protect and promote its intangible heritage . [ 9 ]
Tango , an example of a cultural heritage shared between two countries, Argentina and Uruguay.
Mapping of intangible heritage phenomena (GIS technology) [ 15 ]
Kabaddi , a traditional Indian game which has become increasingly popular around the world.