Is Living Heritage Ignored? Revisiting Heritage Conservation at Cham Living-Heritage Sites in Vietnam

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines the heritage conservation of the Cham living heritage sites and perceptions of the Cham community in Vietnam. Data were collected using various methods, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation, from a “living” sacred site of the Cham community in Ninh Thuan, Vietnam. This research demonstrates that the conservation of heritage in Vietnam has focused primarily on tangible forms of heritage, while local cultural meanings related to tangible aspects of the Cham temples have not been a central concern in heritage conservation practices. The construction of a new pathway is considered a significant offense to the Cham worldview with respect to cardinality and spiritual practice. Despite this addition’s intention to facilitate access for visitors to this site, the Cham people believe that it contributes to a denigration of the sacred character of their temple and has negative effects on religious views and understandings among members of the community. The findings suggest that Indigenous living heritage and its role in local communities need to be recognized in safeguarding heritage.