Cultural Heritage and Cultural Potential: The Use of Cultural Heritage on the Example of an Ethnographic Group

Ladislav Lenovský,LukáŠ Kurajda

doi:10.46284/mkd.2022.10.1.5

Abstract

The formation and use of the cultural heritage and identity of local communities is a result of historical development and current opportunities and needs. Cultural heritage becomes a part of the cultural potential as a system. In Čajkov, the most representative village of the Slovak Chilejkar people, there is a system of using the established concept of local cultural heritage through cultural events (several of which are closely connected in terms of organisation and visitors) implemented by local human resources structured into local organisations and institutions, which are relatively diverse but have an internal logic. Some events have an old tradition; others originated and became “traditional” only a few years ago. The outlined system existing in a municipality with less than 1000 inhabitants reflects the degree of functioning of the local community. It is conditioned by cohesion, hierarchy, the self-confidence of members and appropriate economic conditions. For seniors, besides routine and tradition, the essential activating element is the social dimension – being socially active means meeting others, spending time with peers and eliminating loneliness. It is also an important identity creator in the socialisation, education and especially the upbringing of children and youth.

Highlights

Cultural heritage is a relatively well-discussed phenomenon in several social and scientific disciplines and social practices
Cultural Heritage and Cultural Potential: The Use of Cultural Heritage on the Example of an Ethnographic Group The formation and use of the cultural heritage and identity of local communities is a result of historical development and current opportunities and needs
In Čajkov, the most representative village of the Slovak Chilejkar people, there is a system of using the established concept of local cultural heritage through cultural events implemented by local human resources structured into local organisations and institutions, which are relatively diverse but have an internal logic

Summary

Introduction

Cultural heritage is a relatively well-discussed phenomenon in several social and scientific disciplines and social practices. The paper aims to answer these questions on the example of cultural development, creating the concept of cultural heritage, its use and usability as cultural potential today in the local community of the inhabitants of Čajkov, the most representative locality of the ethnographic group of the Chilejkars. In: Karol Sándor and Peter Behula (eds), Jubilejný zborník Tekovského múzea v Leviciach. Its use depends on their health conditions as their age, the weight of the clothing and the complicated process of getting dressed constitute considerable challenges These women precisely know the entire system of traditional women’s clothing in Čajkov. The current use of the costume in Čajkov, in addition to by the abovementioned women, is tied to a selected group of Čajkov locals and specific opportunities related to traditional events and activities in the village (folklore performances, competitions, parades, annual events et cetera). Intergenerational relations within the community and the region, and building a relationship to one’s cultural heritage

Cultural events and cultural products57

Cultural infrastructure59

Human resources

Conclusion

Findings

Literature