Understanding Cultural Heritage: Definition, Types, and Importance
Definition and Concept of Cultural Heritage
Cultural heritage is the set of movable, immovable, and intangible assets inherited from the past, deemed worthy of protection as part of our social and historical identity.
Movable Cultural Heritage
These are items that can be moved.
Immovable Cultural Heritage
These cannot be moved without losing their nature and reason for being.
Intangible Cultural Heritage
This is fragile and invisible, encompassing singing, dancing, communication systems, techniques, rituals, and celebrations.
To be considered “past,” it must originate from at least a previous generation. What we have inherited is a fraction of what once existed, much having been destroyed or lost. Current cultural heritage can be seen as a survivor.
Not everything qualifies as cultural heritage; only those things that a society believes define or enrich it, providing happiness. Once designated as cultural heritage, it must be protected by government mechanisms for future generations to enjoy.
It defines customs, relationships with the environment, and ways of building, which have not always been the same.
Main Characteristics
Cultural heritage has a social purpose, meaning its values can be enjoyed by society. However, governments may sometimes view it as their own.
It is non-regenerable, meaning its destruction is irreversible. Unlike a forest that can regrow, an archaeological site will never be the same again.
Protection mechanisms should focus on planning and prevention rather than punishment. Educating society is more effective than penalizing those who cause damage. Prevention is better than cure; education is better than punishment.
Specific educational approaches are needed for cultural heritage that may no longer have its original meaning, such as a dolmen. While archaeologists understand its function, most visitors do not.
Education must be engaging and emphasize social significance to ensure people recognize its true importance.
What is Cultural Heritage Used For?
It serves many purposes, such as building history and providing evidence of the past. In Europe and the Western world, cultural heritage is closely tied to historical identity. It is a key attribute that gives personality to each European country, making it non-global in this aspect.
Practically, cultural heritage is used for tourism development. Cultural and natural assets are increasingly included in tourist itineraries, enhancing their value.
Cultural Heritage Assets: Moveable, Immoveable, and Intangible
Immovable Cultural Property
Classified into the following types:
- Monuments with historical, archaeological, paleontological, artistic, ethnological, industrial, scientific, and social importance.
- Historical sets of urban or rural buildings with similar importance.
- Historic gardens resulting from human management of natural elements.
- Historic sites associated with past memories.
- Archaeological sites with historical interest.
- Places of ethnological interest.
- Places of industrial interest.
- Heritage areas with value for community use and enjoyment.
Movable Cultural Property
Classified into types such as:
- Paintings
- Sculptures
- Drawings
- Engravings
- Stucco and plaster
- Metalwork
- Jewelry
- Ironwork
- Textiles
- Stained glass
- Ceramics and tiles
- Furniture
- Glyptic
- Weapons
Intangible Cultural Heritage
UNESCO recognizes the following as intangible cultural heritage:
- Oral traditions and expressions, including language.
- Performing arts.
- Social practices, rituals, and festive events.
- Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe.
- Traditional craftsmanship.