Traditional Cultural Expressions in Africa

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the protection of ‘traditional cultural expressions’ as a means of identifying the subject matter of this book. The term ‘traditional cultural expressions’ is a deliberate choice from other terms that define the same subject matter such as ‘expressions of folklore’ and ‘intangible cultural heritage’. There are other concepts that are closely related to traditional cultural expressions such as traditional knowledge, which are also considered by this chapter. Furthermore, this chapter engages in a taxonomy of traditional cultural expressions in Africa and then proceeds to a discussion of communities in Africa as creators of traditional cultural expressions. A number of issues, principles and concepts that challenge and underpin the protection of traditional cultural expressions in Africa are also considered.