Inclusive intangible cultural heritage safeguarding in museums: professionalism vs. ethnic attribution in a Western Balkan setting

Abstract

ABSTRACT In recent efforts to bridge cultural theory with politics to prevent identity-based conflicts by advocating inclusive safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), we used academic insights on identity construction to formulate policies that utilise ICH safeguarding as a catalyst for reconciliation and development. We focus on a case study from Montenegro's Pljevlja, examining historical shortcomings in ICH identification and safeguarding, with a particular emphasis on the potential role of museum professionals in mitigating societal issues. Tamburica-playing emerges as a prime example of an ICH element that can bridge divides between communities separated by ethnicity and religion yet sharing (while contesting) many mutual ICH elements. Our approach scrutinises the role of regional museums in this transformative process and suggests potential solutions for professionals facing dilemmas of professionalism versus ethnic attribution. While offering a promising outlook, we conclude further comparative testing of this model in post-conflict societies is needed.