Cultural Heritage Resources Research Articles

Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection and Nigeria’s Heritage Legislation

This article focuses on the legal and technical challenges of protecting intangible cultural heritage in Nigeria. Over time, Nigeria and its population have focused heavily on the petroleum industry as the primary source of the country’s economic sustainability, ignoring other viable economic sectors such as heritage preservation, protection, and management for sustainable tourism. This is because the country’s heritage legislation has been severely eroded and rendered ineffectual in protecting Nigeria’s heritage resources, in particular its intangible cultural heritage. Various stakeholders have expressed concern about the need to maintain and protect cultural assets all around the world. This has thus led to the promulgation of laws governing their protection. These regulations, however, did not begin in Nigeria until the colonial period, when the necessity to acquire and conserve heritage objects became recognized. Therefore, this article uses an exploratory research design with key informant interview methodologies as a data-gathering instrument. As a result, it demonstrates that numerous intangible cultural heritage resources in Nigeria are negatively impacted by political and societal instability, the increasing demand for antiquities and artworks, and socioeconomic challenges, amongst other human-induced factors. The existing heritage law in Nigeria, Decree No. 77 of 1979, is insufficient in terms of currency, enforcement, and efficiency, rendering its provisions ineffective.

Research on intangible cultural heritage resource description and knowledge fusion based on linked data

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to contribute to the digital development and utilization of China’s intangible cultural heritage resources, research on the theft of intangible cultural heritage resources and knowledge integration based on linked data is proposed to promote the standardized description of intangible cultural heritage knowledge and realize the digital dissemination and development of intangible cultural heritage.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, firstly, the knowledge organization theory and semantic Web technology are used to describe the intangible cultural heritage digital resource objects in metadata specifications. Secondly, the ontology theory and technical methods are used to build a conceptual model of the intangible cultural resources field and determine the concept sets and hierarchical relationships in this field. Finally, the semantic Web technology is used to establish semantic associations between intangible cultural heritage resource knowledge.FindingsThe study findings indicate that the knowledge organization of intangible cultural heritage resources constructed in this study provides a solution for the digital development of intangible cultural heritage in China. It also provides semantic retrieval with better knowledge granularity and helps to visualize the knowledge content of intangible cultural heritage.Originality/valueThis study summarizes and provides significant theoretical and practical value for the digital development of intangible cultural heritage and the resource description and knowledge fusion of intangible cultural heritage can help to discover the semantic relationship of intangible cultural heritage in multiple dimensions and levels.

Analysis on the geographical pattern and driving force of traditional villages based on GIS and Geodetector: a case study of Guizhou, China

Traditional villages have received widespread attention from all walks of life based on important carriers of Chinese rural culture. The mutual superposition of natural and cultural factors may exacerbate the evolution of traditional village geographical patterns. To understand such relationships and effects, factors and degrees influencing traditional villages need to be determined. Here, we analysed the data of 724 traditional villages in Guizhou recognised by relevant national ministries and commissions in China using average nearest neighbour analysis, Tyson polygon analysis, nuclear density analysis and Geodector. The geographic pattern feature revealed that traditional villages, in general, are highly clustered regionally and have significant edge effects on administrative units. Different substrate environments result in significant spatial heterogeneity in village spatial density, clustering, surface undulation, sun exposure, and waterfront. The geographic pattern of traditional villages is mostly affected by the closest distance to river valleys, the types and number of intangible cultural heritage resources in the county, river gorge density, edge effect index, degree of county ethnic language use, and proportion of paddy fields to the regional area; and their combined effects influence and control the community structure. The results highlight the impact of nature and culture on the distribution of traditional villages, which helps traditional village conservation and scientific exploration of human-land relationship issues in the mountainous areas of Southwest China.

Leveraging Intangible Cultural Heritage Resources for Advancing China’s Knowledge-Based Economy

Leveraging Intangible Cultural Heritage Resources for Advancing China’s Knowledge-Based Economy

Normative and legal regulation of digitization of fonds of cultural institutions as requirement for development of state integration electronic information resources of national historical and cultural heritage

Normative and legal regulation of digitization of fonds of cultural institutions as requirement for development of state integration electronic information resources of national historical and cultural heritage

Exploring the visual distinguishability and topic autocorrelation of murals unearthed in China from the spatial perspective

Murals unearthed in China have outstanding regional characteristics and one of the largest period spans in scale and variety. To explore the visual distinguishability and topic autocorrelation of murals unearthed in China from the spatial perspective, multiple classification models are employed to classify murals unearthed in China through visual features. Then, the k-means is employed to mine topics, and they are analysed through topic intensities (TIs), Moran’s Index (MI) and spatial topic concentration degrees (STCDs). In addition, the characteristics of topic distribution and evolution are summarised and revealed in the spatial dimension. From a spatial perspective, it verifies the distinguishability of visual features of murals through ViT_BOW_GNB, and the precision of this model is 98.17%. Thirteen topics are clustered through k-means, and the distribution of mural topics is spatial autocorrelation according to MI. Besides, the topic evolves from the political centre to the surrounding area, and the topics with high intensities are highly concentrated in spatial. This study reveals the spatial characteristics of the mural at the level of visual features and semantics, which facilitates the digital management, conservation and knowledge discovery of cultural heritage resources.

Haptic Preservation of Cultural Ephemera: an Extended Reality Solution Using Stereoscopic Experience Replication for Victorian Parlor Culture

This study presents a solution to the problem of interacting with, while simultaneously preserving, fragile cultural heritage, such as Victorian parlor culture artifacts, which are essential cultural heritage items but at risk of damage and deterioration. The proposed multi-sensory experience uses extended reality (XR) technology, head-mounted displays (HMD) and haptic feedback via haptic gloves, providing an immersive experience that allows people to interact with these artifacts in a virtual environment. By replicating the experience of a Victorian parlor, this study provides a glimpse into the past and provides valuable resources for researchers. The proposed solution not only provides access to the public and researchers of a collection, but also addresses the conflicting demands of curators and conservators by preserving these artifacts while still engaging a modern audience. The approach mitigates incidents of further deterioration or vandalism, ensuring the long-term preservation of cultural heritage resources. Through XR technology, viewers can handle fragile examples of technology, such as stereoscopic images, stereocards, and stereographs, without risking damage to the original materials. Haptic feedback can simulate the texture of the objects, providing a more realistic and immersive experience. Moreover, this study highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage leveraging emerging technologies and emphasizes the historical and cultural significance of these objects.

How generous interface affect user experience and behavior: Evaluating the information display interface for museum cultural heritage

AbstractMuseum web interfaces continue to be important in how users search for information and navigate through digital cultural heritage resources. A generous interface was deemed appropriate for displaying large amounts of digital cultural heritage. However, more example verification is required in this field of study. This study compared the traditional interface and the generous interface of the Liaoning Provincial Museum to investigate the role of a generous interface for cultural heritage collections. Forty second‐year design graduate students were randomly assigned to one of two interface groups: traditional interface or generous interface. Four variables were measured to compare the differences between the two interfaces for the participants. In addition, two parameters, holding time and average retrieval time, are recorded and used to evaluate and compare the impact of the two interfaces on user behavior. The generous interface, according to the findings, is more effective than the traditional interface in increasing participants' engagement with cultural heritage and is perceived to be more aesthetically pleasing. In addition, the generous interface has been proven to be more suitable for casual leisure users to explore cultural heritage information. This research provides the basis and reference for developing the web interface of cultural heritage collections.

Maritime cultural heritage in Morocco: context and perspectives

Abstract Archaeological research conducted in Morocco over the last two decades has revealed a wealth of diachronic maritime cultural heritage resources, under water and in the coastal zone. However, observation and study has revealed that natural and anthropogenic threats are impacting these resources. Given the challenges to managing maritime cultural heritage (MCH) resources in a country with such an extensive coastline and limited human managerial resources, the national heritage agency and external research institutions have developed methodologies that in part aim at mitigating these threats. This development is illustrated through three projects, briefly outlined here: the Oued Loukkos Survey, the CBDAMM Project and the MarEA Project. These projects incorporate approaches that have been tailored to the Moroccan context, considering the type of resources, the extent of the coastline, types of threats, legislation, and people and institutions involved. In conclusion, this article stresses that an interdisciplinary methodological approach to documentation is necessary in order to inform successful mitigation strategies and to plan for future interventions of MCH.

Locating and Designing Participatory Conservation in the Museum: an analysis of Chinese practices

With rich cultural heritage resources, there are increasing expectations and demands about engaging the public with conservation in China. This thesis intends to demonstrate the participatory conservation practices that can be enlightening for museum visitors. This paper focuses on the cases of Chinese practices at the Shaanxi History Museum and the Hainan Museum. It explores the aims, design and location of the conservation labs in each setting, and seeks to unpack the physical, intellectual and authority boundaries in this engagement space. The research builds upon the analyses of semi-structured interviews with professionals, individual observations of the two case study spaces, and a wide ranging literature review covering participation, museum space, museology and conservation. The thesis concludes that participatory conservation provides great opportunity and insights to meet audiences’ curiosity. This is achieved by opening the professional intellectual space to the public and inspiring people’s critical thinking together with their passion to care about cultural heritage. The thesis evidences how both Chinese and European museums care about the visiting experience of audiences and conservation outreach. However, it argues how Chinese museums might be seen to give attention to the security of objects – in terms of having more original work in areas open to the public. Whereas, in contrast, European museums there is a focus on communicating, interpreting and sharing the process of engaging audiences.

Building Resilience in Cultural Landscapes: Exploring the Role of Transdisciplinary and Participatory Planning in the Recovery of the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System

Cultural landscapes are living landscapes shaped by human activity and imbued with cultural and historical significance. However, cultural landscapes are threatened by climate change because of the direct and indirect impacts it has on all types of cultural heritage resources. This research aims to investigate the efficacy of transdisciplinary and participatory planning approaches in augmenting the resilience of cultural landscapes in the face of climate change risks. This article presents a novel contribution by examining the recovery process of the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System (SHHS) through the lens of international principles aimed at mitigating natural hazards and fostering resilience. The methodology adopts a comprehensive approach that combines a systematic literature review with a detailed analysis of the recovery process of the SHHS during the 2019 flooding in Khuzestan Province, Iran. The research findings highlight the significance of employing a transdisciplinary and participatory planning approach to enhance climate resilience within cultural landscapes. The active involvement of the local community throughout the process of resilience strategy development and implementation emerges as a pivotal factor. Furthermore, the success of resilience strategies in cultural landscapes relies on key elements such as accurate identification and communication, capacity building, fostering trust, and ensuring sufficient funding.

A Brief Analysis of the Path of Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritance and Innovative Development under Digital Technology

Based on the impact of the digital media era on intangible cultural heritage, this paper analyzes the importance of intangible cultural heritage resources and the current status of digital protection of intangible cultural heritage at home and abroad, and based on the trend of multi-field penetration of digital technology, from the perspective of "Internet thinking" and "user thinking", It expounds the big data technology, block chain technology and artificial intelligence technology and discusses the path and way of Intangible cultural heritage Inheritance and innovation development, so as to provide a reference for intangible cultural heritage resources to better adapt to The Times and disseminate new charm.

Prospects of using the tourism potential of the liberated territories from the point of view of ecotourism


 
 
 The article analyzes the current situation and dynamics of ecotourism in Azerbaijan, the role of national parks in the development of this sector, and the possibilities of using natural and cultural heritage resources for ecotourism. The growing demand for ecotourism on the international tourism market is based on the joint use of the existing potential of natural and cultural heritage, which implies its implementation on the liberated territories. The article shows the importance of ecotourism products offered by Azerbaijan on the international tourism market, especially using the potential of national parks. The potential of natural heritage prevails in the organization of ecotourism corridors. Offering tourists new ecotourism routes increases their attractive- ness. The dynamic growth in the number of people using these ecotourism corridors has led to the proliferation of picnic and camping areas in natural areas. The authors have considered the possibilities of using the tourism potential of the vacated lands for ecotourism, eco-cultural heritage tourism, examined the peculiarities of the areas where this type of tourism is spreading and classified them. Ec-otourism routes are offered in the region with guidelines for the joint use of natural and cultural heritage. It has been proven that the strategy of transforming occupied territories into green energy zones and planning smart settlements in harmony with nature contribute to the development of ecotourism. At the same time, it was noted that this encourages the development of alternative types of tourism in recreation areas for the joint use of natural, cultural and ethno-cultural heritage in terms of sustainable tourism. The authors have demonstrated the possibilities of opening new ecotourism corridors in the region, the prospects for their marketing, identifying new destinations and reducing the impact of negative factors on the environment in order to support the development of sustainable tourism.
 
 

Integrated Heritage Conservation: Exploring the Role of Community Participation in the Conservation of Thimi

The sustainability of cultural heritage resources is strongly linked to the effective participation of local communities in the conservation and management of these resources. Integrated heritage conservation is assumed to be an appropriate conservation approach specifically to promote inclusive participation of local communities and sustainable community development in the historic settlements. In this context, considering the case of historic town of Thimi, this study aims to explore the existing context and role of community participation in the planning and conservation of heritage resources and also investigate the context of integrated conservation. Multiple tools of data collection such as Key informant’s interview, household’s surveys, participant observation, informal discussion and archival research have been used. Findings demonstrate that continuous decay and destruction of cultural heritages in Thimi have threatened its unique identity and the traditionally wellsustained community is now degrading and heading towards unsustainability. The context of community participation and conservation also seems weak in promoting sustainable conservation and development in Thimi. It recommends for adopting and implementing inclusive participation of local communities and integrated approach to conservation along with preparing comprehensive policies, plans and legislations for promoting sustainable conservation and community development in the historic settlements.

Study on the Protection and Development of the Anhui Section of the Huai River Basin from the Perspective of Ecotourism

The essence of ecotourism is to cultivate an ecological culture, attach importance to sightseeing and experience, and advocate Green leisure tourism. In this context, it is necessary to protect and develop intangible cultural heritage resources. However, the development of intangible cultural tourism faces many difficulties. Take the Anhui section of the Huai River River basin as an example, the traditional management model, non-heritage innovation development and eco-tourism development do not adapt to the impact of science and technology, creative forms lack of innovation and other difficulties. Therefore, strengthening the integration of resources, establishing incentive policies, optimizing the allocation of resources, increasing capital investment and paying attention to the protection and training of talents are the specific paths for the development of Intangible Cultural Heritage Cultural Tourism.

Evaluation model of cultural heritage tourist attractions based on network virtual resource sharing and real-time information processing

With the continuous development of modern society, people’s demand for the network is also rising. Because of its powerful function, wide coverage, and other advantages, people in modern society have higher and higher utilization rate of the network, and many things are realized with the help of the network. At the same time, some new business based on the network is emerging. The rapid development of network technology makes many people rush for it. This paper mainly studies how to improve the cache technology, reasonable, and effective allocation of resources, so that people can get a better experience. This paper studies the suitability evaluation of tourism development of regional cultural heritage resources by using Delphi method and AHP analytic hierarchy process and infiltrates the evaluation items into various levels, such as natural environment conditions, social and economic conditions, resource combination levels, and so on. Through the analysis and comparison of different geographic information, we can clearly understand whether the region is suitable for tourism and the spatial differences of some regions. To a certain extent, it lays the foundation for the future development of cultural heritage tourist attractions, and the spatial analysis based on GIS, which is consistent with the tourism suitability evaluation index in the field of regional cultural heritage. When comparing the data with different measurement levels, we can directly determine the characteristics of the spatial differences of different cultural heritage resources, which depends on the value of resources and location conditions of a specific region.

Digital design method of cultural heritage using Ancient Egyptian theological totem

This study presents a design method for cultural heritage digitization using ancient Egyptian theological totems. The use of digital technology and multimedia in cultural heritage research has become an important means of cultural heritage inheritance, innovation, and dissemination with the deepening of the digital age. Ancient Egyptian theological totems were selected because their digitization is rarely discussed, although ancient Egypt has left very rich cultural heritage resources in various fields such as architecture, painting, music, and theology. The detailed digitization process was explained in three main dimensions: visual development, animation processing, and interactive design. Methods and design experiences were then summarized for each part. The study emphasizes that digital technology, as the most advanced technical means, plays a pivotal role in the inheritance, innovation, and dissemination of cultural heritage.

Zastosowanie technologii archiwizacji Internetu w identyfikacji i ratowaniu cyfrowego dziedzictwa kulturowego Ukrainy

The subject of the research is the Internet archiving technology that enables the identification and preservation of Ukraine’s cultural heritage during the armed conflict. This conflict began on February 24, 2022, with the attack of Russian troops on Ukraine. As a result of these military operations, the digital resources of cultural institutions in Ukraine have been partially destroyed and are still threatened with destruction.The research was conducted using desk research and case study methods, as well as focusing on the digital resources of the Ukrainian state. The Internet archiving project, Internet Archive, is also discussed. The activities of the scientific community dealing with Internet archiving are presented. SUCHO (Saving Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online) is identified and described, and archived websites and digital resources of Ukraine’s cultural heritage have also been reviewed. These activities were carried out independently of international arrangements and in an ad hoc manner with the aim of securing digital resources of cultural heritage. Subsequently, activities will be carried out to identify and settle material losses in the form of objects and material infrastructure. This article presents the role and tasks of UNESCO and UNITAR as organizations in the use of satellite telemetry for the purposes of humanitarian aid, disasters, and conflicts.

Heritage Narratives and Continuity in the Era of Pandemic: The Rural Nigeria Experience

Literature has it that heritage resources have not felt better with the series of previous global pandemics. These pandemics have created a lot of discontinuities in the life of these resources. However, this study was aimed at interrogating how COVID-19 pandemic has created hiatus (discontinuity) in heritage narratives in rural Nigeria. The study engaged key informant interviews, focus group discussion and observations, and data collated were analyzed descriptively. Multi-stage sampling was used in the sampling of 12 communities and 36 key informants for the study. At the end, aspects of heritage narratives as it concerns various traditional communities in Nigeria were interrogated. This includes heritage preservation, heritage transfer, heritage identity and promotion, heritage making and authenticity, heritage tourism, and heritage studies. From the discussions, it was deduced that the hiatus (discontinuity) that was induced by Covid-19 lockdown order, has monumental effects on cultural heritage resources in rural Nigeria with implications on their use and sustainability. The study further recommended stakeholders collaboration, registration and digitization of these cultural heritage resources.

Study on the Design Strategy of Rural Public Space with The Integration of Intangible Cultural Heritage Resources

This paper explores the ideas and methods of integrating intangible cultural heritage resources into the design of rural public spaces to show the cultural characteristics of rural public spaces and enhance rural vitality. It starts with a review of some of the current problems of rural public spaces in China, and focuses on the coupling relationship between intangible cultural heritage resources and rural public space design. In this way, it provides a basis for the revitalisation of rural development in the context of cultural confidence.