Archaeological research has long focused on studying tangible
artifacts to build a picture of the cultures it examines. Equally
important to understanding a culture, however, are the intangible
elements that become part of its heritage. In 2003, UNESCO adopted
a convention specifically to protect intangible heritage, including
the following: oral traditions and expressions, including language;
performing arts (such as traditional music, dance, and theater);
social practices, rituals, and festive events; knowledge and
practices concerning nature and the universe; and traditional
craftsmanship.
Since this convention was adopted, scholars and preservationists
have struggled with how to best approach intangible heritage. This
volume specifically focuses on embodied intangible heritage, or the
human body as a vehicle for memory, movement, and sound. The
contributors to this work examine ritual and artistic movement,
theater, music, oral literature, as well as the role of the
internet in cultural transmission. Globalization and particularly
the internet, has a complex effect on the transmission of
intangible heritage: while music, dance, and other expressions are
now shared easily, the performances often lack context and may be
shared with a group that does not fully understand what they are
seeing or hearing.
This volume draws on case studies from around the world to
examine the problems and possibilities of implementing the new
UNESCO convention. The findings in this volume will be vital to
both professionals and academics in anthropology, archaeology,
history, museum studies, architecture, and anyone else who deals
with issues of cultural heritage and preservation.
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