Cultural Heritage Research Articles

Digitized archives and research on the musical heritage of the Yellow River basin

ABSTRACT This study aims to analyse the possibility of digitizing the music heritage of the Yellow River basin. The digitization of the musical heritage of the Yellow River basin facilitates the preservation and advancement of the cultural legacy of the region, as well as ensuring accessibility to it for researchers, educators, and the public. This process is executed through online platforms and databases, thereby providing inclusive access to the cultural heritage. The investigation engaged a cohort of 50 experts specializing in archiving and digitization. Throughout the study, a comprehensive examination of the technical facets of the conversion of analogue recordings into digital formats was undertaken. Furthermore, the research encompassed an analysis of the experiential integration of digital music archives of the Yellow River basin into the educational processes of the China Conservatory of Music, achieved through a survey administered to the faculty members. The research identified technical challenges associated with the digital processing of analogue music recordings, encompassing issues related to noise (64 per cent) and distortions (44 per cent). Seventy percent of the respondents underscored the significant role of digital archives in research and educational projects. However, 44 per cent highlighted difficulties in integrating them into educational curricula.

Intangible Cultural Heritage and UK Built Heritage Practice: Opportunities and Future Directions

ABSTRACT The UK’s ratification of Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in March 2024 signals a formal commitment to engage with the concept of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). This article investigates how this commitment could reshape built heritage practices in the UK through fostering a more integrated relationship between the tangible and intangible qualities of heritage. It argues that prioritising this interface is essential for contemporary built heritage management, ensuring the diverse cultural values embedded in the historic environment are represented. After examining the broader UK context, the article narrows focus to England, where Historic England’s guidance and initiatives demonstrate how shifts in policy and practice could materialise in response to the convention. The article concludes by proposing three key opportunity areas that could emerge from emphasising the tangible–intangible relationship: 1) evolving understandings of heritage, community and participation; 2) recognising the mutual influence of ICH and physical heritage; and 3) strengthening place-based cultural practices. These opportunities offer a timely pathway for the UK to become a thought leader in heritage management by aligning conservation practices with evolving cultural values and community involvement, thus setting a new benchmark for built heritage management in a Western European context.

Accurate acoustic classification research of visually similar monochrome porcelain fragments

AbstractExploring a non-destructive and rapid evaluation method for precious ancient ceramic relics is of significant importance. Currently, there are countless monochrome porcelain fragments awaiting measurement and categorization. Various instruments such as XRF, XRD, SEM, OM, and thermoluminescence dating have been extensively utilized by numerous researchers to study ancient ceramics. However, these techniques pose challenges in reliably identifying monochrome porcelain fragments from the same kiln with similar appearance, content, and microstructure due to their limitations. To address this issue, this study presents an acoustic measurement system that utilizes audible frequencies to non-destructively evaluate monochrome porcelain fragments. The proposed method enables the extraction of parameters related to time domain analysis (e.g., group delay), frequency domain analysis (e.g., resonance), and sound loss characteristics of these fragments. This non-destructive and efficient technology for detecting acoustic characteristics of monochrome porcelain fragments presented in this work clarifies the fundamental principles governing the interaction between sound waves and ancient ceramic fragments while providing a completely non-destructive and highly efficient method for classifying and restoring valuable solid cultural heritages like stone, jade, bronze etc. Moreover, this approach can also be applied for non-destructive testing of elastic modulus in advanced ceramic devices including detecting small cracks, deterioration effects due to aging as well as other defects.

Non-Destructive Estimation of Paper Fiber Using Macro Images: A Comparative Evaluation of Network Architectures and Patch Sizes for Patch-Based Classification

Over the years, research in the field of cultural heritage preservation and document analysis has exponentially grown. In this study, we propose an advanced approach for non-destructive estimation of paper fibers using macro images. Expanding on studies that implemented EfficientNet-B0, we explore the effectiveness of six other deep learning networks, including DenseNet-201, DarkNet-53, Inception-v3, Xception, Inception-ResNet-v2, and NASNet-Large, in conjunction with enlarged patch sizes. We experimentally classified three types of paper fibers, namely, kozo, mitsumata, and gampi. During the experiments, patch sizes of 500, 750, and 1000 pixels were evaluated and their impact on classification accuracy was analyzed. The experiments demonstrated that Inception-ResNet-v2 with 1000-pixel patches achieved the highest patch classification accuracy of 82.7%, whereas Xception with 750-pixel patches exhibited the best macro-image-based fiber estimation performance at 84.9%. Additionally, we assessed the efficacy of the method for images containing text, observing consistent improvements in the case of larger patch sizes. However, limitations exist in background patch availability for text-heavy images. This comprehensive evaluation of network architectures and patch sizes can significantly advance the field of non-destructive paper analysis, offering valuable insights into future developments in historical document examination and conservation science.

Using Photogrammetry and Deviation Analysis to Conduct Quantitative Monitoring Surveys of WWII Sites in the Pacific

Abstract In 2012 a program to investigate the management of underwater cultural heritage (UCH) related to the WWII battle for Saipan was developed with several collaborative partners. The program was conceptualized in response to the creation of the WWII Battle for Saipan Underwater Heritage Trail that launched in 2010 (McKinnon and Carrell in J Maritime Archaeol 10(1):11–27, 2015). With the creation of the trail there became a need to monitor and record both the benefits and impacts of promoting visitation at UCH sites. The monitoring program began on a five-year interval and included archaeological site inspections and the collection of in situ conservation data in 2012 and 2017. In 2017, as photogrammetric survey data was advancing and becoming more useful, it was added to the monitoring program. Again in 2023, site inspections, in situ surveys, and photogrammetric surveys were undertaken providing a total of 15 years of data at five-year intervals. This data has proved invaluable for recording both qualitatively and quantitatively how these WWII submerged sites are changing over time. This article reports on the development of photogrammetric surveys and the use of deviation analysis to demonstrate natural and cultural changes on UCH sites of a WWII battlefield from 2017 to 2023.

Effect of Cultural Heritage on Tourism Development in Italy

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of cultural heritage on tourism development in Italy. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The cultural heritage of Italy plays a significant role in its tourism development, attracting millions of visitors annually to historic cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Italy's rich history, art, architecture, and traditions make it a global cultural destination, with UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Uffizi Gallery serving as major draws. This cultural wealth not only boosts the tourism industry but also supports local economies and preserves historical landmarks. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Cultural capital theory, sustainable tourism theory & heritage conservation theory may be used to anchor future studies on the effect of cultural heritage on tourism development in Italy. Implementing practical measures such as visitor quotas, dynamic pricing, and timed entry tickets can help regulate tourist flow to high-traffic cultural heritage sites. Policymakers should develop sustainable tourism frameworks that balance economic growth with cultural heritage preservation.

Haihun Marquis Tomb in Western Han Dynasty: Social Value and Future Prospects - A Knowledge Graph Analysis with Citespace

This paper uses the CiteSpace knowledge graph visualization tool to analyze the research evolution path and trend of 583 academic papers in the CNKI database in the past ten years. The results show that the unique position of the tomb of the Haihun Marquis in the field of history and cultural heritage of the Han Dynasty, the mainstream of research in the field of Han Dynasty culture, artistic innovation and application, the evolution of cultural heritage research, and the interdisciplinary research of the deep integration of cultural heritage research and advanced technology in the future will provide strong support for promoting the cultural and museum industry and the recreation of traditional Chinese culture.

The Characterization of Natural Resins and a Study of Their Degradation in Interactions with Zinc Oxide Pigment

In the last few years, the role of science in Cultural Heritage has assumed greater significance since diagnostics have become essential for the characterization of artworks. The development of conservation strategies involves growing the study of artworks and the knowledge of the materials used against the degradation plaguing the painted surfaces. This work focuses on the investigation of the degradation processes involving paintings on canvas, in particular delamination and progressive deterioration of the painted surfaces. The main causes of the degradation are attributable to the formation of metal soaps, which originate from the interaction between binders and pigments; as a result, the process leads to the progressive fracturing of the paint film. Using various characterization techniques allowed us to acquire information on the structural and morphological properties of the binder resins and study the binder/pigment interaction during the degradation process to understand the quantity and quality of the acid sites present in the binders and, consequently, the potential reactivity with the cationic part of the pigments. The binders were also analyzed within paint layers in contact with zinc oxide to study the interactions and the possible formation of new species as metal soaps and metal oxalates that can modify the boundary among the painting layers and, consequently, the appearance of the artwork and its artistic value. Modifications after UV and thermal aging processes were observed using Infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Zinc soap formation was observed after 7 h of a UV aging process and was correlated to the acidity of the resins.

Insights from “Advanced Technologies and Practices in the Built Environment and Cultural Heritage”

Insights from “Advanced Technologies and Practices in the Built Environment and Cultural Heritage”

Decoding Public Policy: How Cultural Dynamics Shape Decision-Making in Indonesia’s Political Landscape

This study explores how cultural dynamics shape public policy in Indonesia, focusing on the influence of cultural dimensions on policy-making processes and outcomes. The purpose is to understand the impacts of Indonesian cultural values on various policy sectors, including education, health, environment, and economic development. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study relies exclusively on secondary data from academic literature, government reports, and media sources to examine these cultural influences. Findings reveal that high power distance leads to centralized decision-making, while collectivism shapes policies toward community welfare. High uncertainty avoidance results in rigid regulatory frameworks, and traditional gender roles affect gender-related policies. Sector-specific analyses highlight the integration of traditional knowledge in environmental policies and the challenges of balancing modernization with cultural heritage in economic policies. The implications of these findings suggest that policymakers should incorporate cultural considerations into policy design to enhance effectiveness and inclusivity. This research contributes original insights into the intersection of culture and policy, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive approaches in diverse governance contexts. By shedding light on how cultural factors impact policy formulation and implementation, the study offers valuable guidance for developing culturally relevant and effective policies addressing societal needs.

Decolonising Plant-Based Cultural Legacies in the Cultural Policies of the Global South

Abstract The promotion and preservation of cultural legacies, including botanical traditions, are integral components of national identity and development strategies in many countries, particularly in the Global South. However, the manner in which cultural policies address plant-based heritage is not only influenced by contemporary priorities but also deeply rooted in historical contexts, shaped by colonial legacies. A comparative reading of the cultural policies of India and Nigeria, this research investigates the impact of colonial history on plant-based cultural heritage policies in the Global South. The study pulls from the Postcolonial and Critical Heritage Studies frameworks, to argue that the formulation and implementation of cultural policies on botanical plant heritage have been greatly impacted by colonial legacies. The result is the disparities in conservation endeavours and relegation of autochthonous knowledge. By shedding light on the on-going effects of colonialism on cultural practices and environmental conservation in the Global South, this research offers insights for policymakers, culture and heritage practitioners, and scholars seeking to address the issues around colonial legacies in cultural heritage management. It also seeks to provoke discourses on equitable and sustainable approaches to plant-based heritage preservation.

Artifacts of Glory and Pain: Evolving Cultural Narratives on Confederate Symbolism and Commemoration in a New Era of Social Justice

The American Civil War has been commemorated with a great variety of monuments, memorials, and markers. These monuments were erected for a variety of reasons, beginning with memorialization of the fallen and later to honor aging veterans, commemoration of significant anniversaries associated with the conflict, memorialization of sites of conflict, and celebration of the actions of military leaders. Sources reveal that during both the Jim Crow and Civil Rights eras, many monuments were erected as part of an organized propaganda campaign to terrorize African American communities and distort the past by promoting a “Lost Cause” narrative. Through subsequent decades, to this day, complex and emotional narratives have surrounded interpretive legacies of the Civil War. Instruments of commemoration, through both physical and digital intervention approaches, can be provocative and instructive, as the country deals with a slavery legacy and the commemorated objects and spaces surrounding Confederate inheritances. Today, all of these potential factors and outcomes, with internationally relevance, are surrounded by swirls of social and political contention and controversy, including the remembering/forgetting dichotomies of cultural heritage. In this article, drawing from the testimony of scholars and artists, I address the conceptual landscape of approaches to the presentation and evolving participatory narratives of Confederate monuments that range from absolute expungement and removal to more restrained ideas such as in situ re-contextualization, removal to museums, and preservation-in-place. I stress not so much the academic debate but how the American public is informed about and reacts to the various issues related to Confederate memorialization. My main point, where my premise stands out in the literature, is that, for the sake of posterity, and our ability to connect and engage with a tangible in situ artifact, not all Confederate statues should be taken down. Some of them, or remnants of them, should be preserved as sites of conscience and reflection, with their social and political meanings ongoing and yet to be determined in the future. The modern dilemma turns on the question: In today’s new era of social justice, are these monuments primarily symbols of oppression, or can we see them, in select cases, alternatively as sites of conscience and reflection encompassing more inclusive conversations about commemoration? What we conserve and assign as the ultimate public value of these monuments rests with how we answer this question.

A Comprehensive Review of Multimodal XR Applications, Risks, and Ethical Challenges in the Metaverse

This scoping review examines the broad applications, risks, and ethical challenges associated with Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), within the context of Metaverse. XR is revolutionizing fields such as immersive learning in education, medical and professional training, neuropsychological assessment, therapeutic interventions, arts, entertainment, retail, e-commerce, remote work, sports, architecture, urban planning, and cultural heritage preservation. The integration of multimodal technologies—haptics, eye-, face-, and body tracking, and brain–computer interfaces—enhances user engagement and interactivity, playing a key role in shaping the immersive experiences in the Metaverse. However, XR’s expansion raises serious concerns, including data privacy risks, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, cybersickness, addiction, dissociation, harassment, bullying, and misinformation. These psychological, social, and security challenges are further complicated by intense advertising, manipulation of public opinion, and social inequality, which could disproportionately affect vulnerable individuals and social groups. This review emphasizes the urgent need for robust ethical frameworks and regulatory guidelines to address these risks while promoting equitable access, privacy, autonomy, and mental well-being. As XR technologies increasingly integrate with artificial intelligence, responsible governance is essential to ensure the safe and beneficial development of the Metaverse and the broader application of XR in enhancing human development.

Exploring tourist perceptions of calligraphic landscapes: Insights from social media text analysis

Calligraphic landscapes, as distinctive cultural symbols and landscapes with Chinese characteristics, are widely used in urban design, placemaking, and tourism promotion. In cultural heritage tourism, tourists’ perceptions of the symbolic meanings of landscapes significantly influence their travel experiences. This study primarily utilizes social media text analysis to explore the perceptual characteristics and symbolic meanings of calligraphic landscapes in different touristic contexts. Using Python tools, user-generated content was extracted from the Xiaohongshu app and analyzed with ROST CM6, VOSviewer, and NVivo 20 to conduct systematic quantitative and qualitative analyses, including content analysis, semantic network analysis, and co-occurrence clustering. The findings indicate that cultural exchanges on social media significantly enhance public perception of the symbolic meanings of touristic spaces. As online check-in behavior becomes increasingly popular, calligraphic landscapes have gained new esthetic-symbolic meanings among young tourists, becoming part of fashion culture and reflecting the digitalization of a sense of place. In addition, user-generated content reveals that tourists’ perceptions of calligraphic landscapes are intricately linked to place recognition, cultural symbolism, calligraphic appreciation, heritage value, and esthetic experiences. As a significant cultural symbol, calligraphic landscapes are frequently encountered during travel, with their symbolic meanings varying according to the surrounding environment, thereby influencing tourists’ preferences in diverse settings. Furthermore, this study proposes several innovative strategies for designing calligraphic landscapes. This research not only validates the feasibility of web text analysis for exploring the symbolic meanings of cultural landscapes but also enhances theoretical perspectives on how symbolic landscapes shape tourists’ psychological and behavioral responses.

Implementing an adaptive reuse on industrial buildings: a proposal for transforming Erbil’s Silo in Kurdistan-Iraq into a hotel

Industrial buildings, serving as markers of cultural heritage, connect our cultural identity from the past through the present and into the future. Unfortunately, many of these buildings lose their identity when they are converted into another function. Through the case study analysis (the Silo of Erbil City), a qualitative method is employed to examine design strategies and spatial transformations in recent adaptive reuse projects of existing structures. Through the literature review, this research investigates the importance of adaptive reuse and heritage buildings, underscoring their historical and theoretical underpinnings, and subsequently examines contemporary approaches to architectural criteria towards habitation for existing structures in the public, creative, and cultural domains. The study findings identify common fundamental elements of industrial heritage adaptive reuse and innovative design strategies applied in recent adaptive reuse projects, highlighting the potential to transform neglected or vacant abandoned buildings into urban open spaces. The study uses a comprehensive methodology involving case study analyses and diverse data collection techniques. The case study properties are the structural systems, natural lighting, and the surrounding open spaces. As a result, a hotel with a multipurpose hall, and a museum dedicated to the history of the Silo have been proposed, aiming at conserving the valuable heritage in this industrial area as well as providing an alternative perspective for the adaptive reuse of industrial structures in Erbil city. Finally, the implications of the research for the economic and social dimensions of urban development lie in understanding and promoting sustainable preservation strategies. This work is considered the first step for future research in Iraq, specifically in Kurdistan Region. The research concludes that the Silo of Erbil is one of the successful examples of the process of reusing buildings. It also concludes that less intervention in reusing a building can protect the building identity.

Electronic Ticketing System for Monuments and Museums

Being one of the largest networks of ticketing systems operating over 1,015,000 km and transporting over 22 million visitors daily, e-ticketing systems spend over CR 94,000 to operate efficiently. From the recent proposal for smart cities, ticketing systems are projecting to museums and cultural monuments with the current trend towards digitization, smart ticketing systems are the most of the hour. Of the 94,000 kr. is an exorbitant salary of 23,500 kr. spent on paper that can be subsidized using effective alternative techniques. The smartphone, which has a profound effect on people's daily routine, can be used for paperless ticketing. In today's digital era, the way we access and experience cultural heritage sites, such as museums and monuments, is evolving. Traditional paper tickets and long queues are fast becoming outdated, replaced by more efficient and user-friendly digital solutions. This project explores the development of a Mobile based ticketing system that simplifies the ticket purchase process for visitors, provides easy entry verification through QR codes, and enhances security with biometric authentication. Beyond improving the visitor experience, this system helps site administrators manage visitor flow, protect against fraud, and even reduce environmental impact by going paperless. The application’s aim is to create a seamless and enjoyable journey for visitors—from purchasing tickets to entering the site—while providing insightful data for site managers on visitor patterns and peak hours. This digital transformation reflects the larger trend of integrating technology into our everyday experiences, making heritage sites more accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone. Key Words: e-ticketing system, digital ticketing ,QR code verification, biometric authentication, visitor management, cross-platform application, flutter framework, paperless ticketing, mobile ticketing solution, cultural heritage sites, museum access control, visitor analytics, crowd management ,secure ticketing system, smart tourism technology

Video-streamed Intangible Cultural Heritage, Ethnic Perceptions, and Cross-cultural Competence in China

The aim of the present study was to investigate the capacity of video-streamed content related to intangible cultural heritage (ICH) associated with Chinese ethnic minorities to enhance cross-cultural competence and perceptions about ethnic minority communities among users from China’s ethnic majority. Moreover, the research examined how users’ motivations and demographic factors moderate these relations. Utilizing a quantitative online questionnaire to examine video-streaming users in China, the research employed linear regression and hierarchical regression analyses to test these relationships. The findings indicated that cross-cultural attitudes and skills served as positive predictors of participants’ affinity for ethnic minorities, suggesting more favorable cross-cultural attitudes and skills led to more liking of ethnic minorities. However, these factors did not forecast stereotypical perceptions of ethnic minorities. Notably, cross-cultural knowledge was found to have no predictive capability regarding either affinity or stereotypical perceptions. Furthermore, user motivations to use live-streamed ICH content, specifically amotivation and regulation, were found to significantly moderate the connections between cross-cultural competence and attitudes toward ethnic minorities. In other words, participants who perceived the benefits of using live-streamed ICH content contributed to the relationships. These findings provide substantial insight into the complex interrelationship between digital media use, cross-cultural competence, and interethnic attitudes in China’s context. The study highlights the ability of video-streamed ICH content to foster positive interethnic relations while unpacking subtle influences of user motivation in the process. The findings presented here may guide the development of approaches aimed at utilizing digital platforms to enhance cultural comprehension and mitigate stereotypes within multicultural communities internationally, thus enriching the overarching discussion regarding the influence of digital media on the formation of cross-cultural perceptions and interactions.

Practical Research on Integrating Folk Art into Public Art Education Courses

This study focuses on the feasibility and practical strategies for integrating folk art into public art education courses. By exploring the cultural heritage and educational value of folk art, it analyzes the current shortcomings in public art education and underscores the necessity of incorporating folk art into the curriculum. The study designs suitable content and methods, including traditional art optimization and diverse resource applications, to strengthen students' cultural identity and aesthetic development. Additionally, case studies demonstrate the tangible effects of integrating folk art into public art education, with results indicating a significant improvement in students’ understanding and appreciation of local art. This research provides new insights for future public art course designs and proposes expanding folk art education with technological support.

From national park to cultural park an Algerian experience

The status of National park was adopted in Algeria in 1921, during French colonisation, within the framework of the forestry law in force. It was renewed as is, after 1962 by independent Algeria and placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, in its general forestry directorate. In 1983, it was redefined in the first national law on the environment, then, from 2011, in that of protected areas, within the framework of sustainable development. All Algerian national parks are created under the forestry regime and agricultural administration, with the exception of a single case where they are attached to the cultural sector: that of Tassili and Ahaggar, both located in the extreme south of the Sahara, including the Tuareg customary domain of Kel Ajjer and Kel Ahaggar. A particular case, linked to the process of administrative construction of the Saharan space. It is following the adoption of paradigm of sustainable development and a new law on the protection of cultural heritage , that this particularism has disappeared, with the introduction of a new legal category of protection, called “parc culturel”, based on the principle of “indissociability” between culture and nature, an innovative notion which has not yet acquired the conceptual force necessary to achieve the required stabilization and social appropriation, hence the difficulty of its translation into operational tools.

Enhancing community potential to boost grassroots economy through value-added pickled bamboo shoots, Thailand

The objectives of this research article were: 1) to examine the community context, problems, and needs, 2) to enhance the community's capacity through the process of upgrading and adding value to fermented bamboo shoot products, and 3) to assess the capacity development of the Ban Sang Thor community, Phon Mueang Subdistrict, Lao Suea Kok District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. The key informants were 12 experts, 50 workshop participants selected through purposive sampling, and ten experts, 50 producers (selected through purposive sampling), and 100 consumers selected through accidental sampling for product development satisfaction evaluation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive explanations. The Ban Sang Thor community, characterized by a rich historical background and traditional Heet Sip Song Kong Sip Si customs, addressed socioeconomic challenges such as poverty, household indebtedness, and low income through the enhancement of fermented bamboo shoot products. The community engages in educational initiatives regarding hygienic production practices and participates in packaging design processes. The resulting products exhibit durability, aesthetic appeal, and consumer acceptance. High levels of satisfaction from experts and consumers culminate in the production of safe sanitary products with a distinct community-branded identity. Sustainable economic development contributes to the preservation of a community's cultural heritage.