Heritage Community Research Articles

And Now What? Three-Dimensional Scholarship and Infrastructures in the Post-Sketchfab Era

The transition of Sketchfab, a widely used platform for hosting and sharing 3D cultural heritage content, to Epic Games’ Fab marketplace has raised concerns within the cultural heritage community about the potential loss of years of work and thousands of 3D models, highlighting the risks of relying on commercial solutions for preservation and dissemination. This shift, together with the unprecedented investments by the European Commission on infrastructures for digitised heritage, present a critical opportunity to restart conversations about the future of 3D scholarship and infrastructures for cultural heritage. Using a mixed-methods approach, this paper analyses data from a literature review, two surveys, a focus group, and community responses to Sketchfab’s announced changes. Our findings reveal critical user requirements, including robust metadata and paradata for transparency, advanced analytical tools for scholarly use, flexible annotation systems, mechanisms for ownership, licensing, and citation, as well as community features for fostering engagement and recognition. This paper proposes models and key features for a new infrastructure and concludes by calling for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to develop a system that will ensure that 3D cultural heritage remains accessible, reusable, and meaningful in an ever-changing technological landscape.

East Africa Community Regional Tourism Policy: The Nexus between Cultural Heritage and Socio-economic Development of the Maasai Community in Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem

This paper explores how EAC tourism regional policy preserves the Maasai culture in Seregneti. It argues that in as much as the East Africa Community regional policy endeavors to protect and preserve cultural heritage of communities around the ecosystem from tourist distortions, this has not been the case. Therefore, the objective of the paper is to interrogate EAC regional policy towards preserving cultural aspects of the Maasai community from mass tourism activities. The study utilized political realism and neo-functionalism theories to analyze effects of policy cultural heritage. It employed descriptive research design to investigate how the EAC tourism policy affects cultural heritage of local communities. Purposive was used to determine samples. The study used questionnaire and interviews to collect primary. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings of the study indicate that wildlife management groups, game control areas on Serengeti side and community conservancy groups on Mara side of the border form the central pillar through which the local populace engage and benefit from ecotourism activities. The findings indicate that cultures such as Maa dances, regalia, Manyattas, traditional ceremonies have been commercialized however, benefits for the community are not sustainable

Building Identities: A Path to Diversity and Decolonization of Interiors in Latin America

Have you ever wondered how the spaces we inhabit could either bridge or widen the gaps between diverse cultures and identities? This study investigates how interior design influences cultural identity and social inclusion, emphasizing its role in either bridging or deepening societal divides. It analyzes the historical and ongoing effects of colonial and Eurocentric design practices that marginalize Indigenous and non-Western cultures. These practices often impose homogenized aesthetics, stripping spaces of their authentic cultural essence and reinforcing social inequalities.The paper reveals that interior design, as a reflection of societal values, can either enhance or undermine cultural representation. Historical trends have frequently sidelined local traditions, leading to spaces that lack true cultural diversity. This exclusionary approach perpetuates inequities and ignores the rich variety of global cultural expressions.A significant focus is on decolonizing design practices. The study advocates for a shift toward integrating traditional materials and cultural values, especially in Latin American contexts, where decolonization involves reviving Indigenous architectural methods and sustainable practices. By highlighting local materials and construction techniques, this approach seeks to honor and reflect the cultural heritage of communities. Adopting inclusive design practices is therefore crucial for promoting social cohesion and preserving cultural identity. Embracing diverse cultural narratives not only enriches the design field but also fosters more equitable and sustainable environments. This transformative approach challenges prevailing trends and encourages a design philosophy that celebrates global diversity rather than imposing a singular, homogenized vision.

Dam as Estrangement: Collective Memory and Development Questions in the Tribal Resistance Against Hydropower Project in Tripura, Northeast India

The Government of India’s developmental plans to transform its Northeastern region into a major hub for large-scale hydropower projects on nearly all its perennial rivers has incited significant Indigenous tribal resistance. Many of these resistances arise from the previous experiences of the dam and in response concerns were expressed that such new dam construction could further impact river ecosystems, the livelihoods, and the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities that are linked to their epistemologies. Using the lens of collective memory, this paper examines how past experiences of dam have coerced Indigenous tribes to resist the new dam construction, with a special focus on a newly proposed dam over the Haora (Saidra) River in Tripura—a last corner state of Northeast India.

A Systems Thinking Approach to the Development of Historic Building Information Modelling: Part 2—Definition of Requirements

Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) is the application of BIM, a digital information management and 3D modelling technique, to cultural heritage (CH) assets. It will assist with the ongoing sustainable management of CH in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (i.e., SDG 11 and SDG 13) by providing an enduring record of asset information and enabling the energy-efficient use and adaption of assets. However, the application of HBIM is currently limited by a lack of defined end-user requirements and standard methodology in its application. This paper is the second piece in a series of works where the authors adopted a systems thinking approach, utilising both the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and hard systems engineering (SE), for the development of HBIM. This paper presents the results of an extensive survey undertaken with the UK Heritage Community. It validates forty-one previously proposed information requirements, identifies a further twenty new information requirements for HBIM, and utilises the SE process to define thirty-three system requirements for HBIM according to the end user.

‘In the moment’: Euphoria as a heritage value

ABSTRACT This paper explores the heritage value of euphoric experiences, where the meaning and significance of places are often established instantly, ‘in the moment’. By convention, heritage assets are assessed by specialists according to their historical, evidential, and aesthetic values, values that have been recognised for over a century. More recently, following the publication of the Burra Charter (1979), and Conservation Principles (2008), communal and social (including symbolic) values have also been identified. These relate to the meanings of a place for its ‘heritage communities’. They accrue over time but are often harder to apply because they are more subjective. However, communal and social significance can sometimes be instantaneous, bringing joy and creating memories that shape personal and group identity. Working with grassroots music venues and attending gigs, it is easy to see this happening: the euphoria of the mosh pit or rave generating not just life-shaping memories of the experience but also value judgements for the ‘third place’ in which it occurred. In this paper, we present the argument for euphoric value and assess the ways these moments of euphoria can be accounted for in heritage assessment.

Pharad Block Printing: A Cultural Treasure Resurging in Contemporary Times

Pharad block printing, originating from Jaipur, India, represents a rich tradition of artistic expression that spans over four centuries. Known for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, this art form is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Chipa community in the Bagru cluster of Rajasthan. Despite its historical and cultural significance, Pharad is at risk of disappearing due to the labor-intensive nature of its processes and competition from cheaper, mass-produced textiles. This study seeks to revive interest in Pharad by exploring its history, artistic details, and cultural importance, advocating for its preservation as an integral part of India’s artisanal heritage. By examining its origins, practices, and relevance today, this paper highlights the urgent need to preserve traditional arts in the face of global economic pressures.

Greener Packaging Solutions: The Social Impact of Biocomposite Lids in Colombia

Biocomposite materials respond to market trends and regulatory pressures for environmentally friendly packaging. Few studies have assessed the social life cycle assessment (SLCA) using stakeholder indicators across the entire supply chain. The objective of this study is to provide reliable indicators and data to compare the SLCA of jar lid biocomposites filled with post-harvest banana fibers (BFs) in Colombia. Methodologies from the United Nations Environment Programme, the relevant literature, and Colombian regulations were used to select indicators. A comprehensive survey involved all stakeholders in the supply chain and consumer responsibility during the use phase. The data collected were integrated, scored, and weighted. This approach aimed to reduce uncertainty in comparing different scenarios and contribute to the standardization and integration of SLCA methods. The study highlights the significant benefits of incorporating banana fibers (BFs) into jar lids. Lids composed of 40% BFs provide notable social advantages, particularly within the agricultural sector. They contribute to improving the economic income and quality of life for farmers, transporters, and intermediaries while promoting equity among them. Additionally, these lids help preserve cultural heritage in local communities. From a corporate perspective, beyond financial gains, companies enhance their sustainability visibility by offering a product that is environmentally friendly, naturally sourced, and directly connected to farmers. Furthermore, these lids strengthen the overall social impact of the supply chain and business sector by utilizing renewable and locally available resources.

Exploring the dynamic functions of pastoral traditional knowledge.

Pastoral traditional knowledge is increasingly recognized for its inherent adaptability in addressing contemporary challenges and increasing the resilience of pastoral communities. To deepen our understanding of how this knowledge system demonstrates adaptive characteristics, we employ a functional lens to examine its dynamic nature in this systematic review. Our analysis, based on insights from 152 case studies worldwide, shows that this knowledge system has various domains and serves diverse functions, including ecological, economic, and socio-cultural functions, with further subfunctions. Ecologically, pastoral traditional knowledge predominantly enhances climate adaptation and resilience; economically, it helps maintain herd productivity and sustain livelihood support; and socio-culturally, it is crucial for preserving the cultural identity and heritage of pastoral communities. Furthermore, our findings highlight that each knowledge domain shows multifunctional characteristic. Our analysis also helps identify common functions across eight knowledge domains, each contributing to areas like sustainable resource management and climate adaptation, though to varying degrees.

Restoring dignity by granting rights: IHL and peacebuilding empowerment for Magdalena River fishing communities in Colombia

Abstract This article examines the role of international humanitarian law (IHL) in safeguarding artisanal fishing communities residing along the banks of the Magdalena River in Colombia after the recognition of the river as a rights-bearing entity1 and a victim of the armed conflict. The article also explores the potential of targeted peacebuilding interventions for achieving sustainable well-being, ecological restoration and enduring peace. Against the backdrop of historical conflict, the Magdalena River and its adjoining communities have suffered significant harm, requiring widespread reparations that go beyond immediate crisis management. The study proposes a comprehensive approach for achieving sustainable well-being, ecological restoration and enduring peace, acknowledging the complex connections between legal frameworks, environmental considerations and the cultural heritage of the riverine community.

‘Living bread between the mountains’: an exploration of contemporary foodway changes in the Cederberg mountains of South Africa

Traditional foodways are under threat due to historical factors like profound racial discrimination, alongside the pressures of a highly capitalised and industrialised food system and environmental degradation. In the northern Cederberg mountains of South Africa, bread-making forms an integral part of the cultural heritage of rural communities and has evolved in response to social, environmental, economic, and epistemic changes. Using semi-structured interviews and the use of participatory workshops to give voice to food-based practical knowledge, we identified the primary drivers for foodway transitions in these remote areas. They included changes in land access, use, and climate, as well as modernisation, economic development, and urbanisation. Through articulating the voices of local foodways custodians, we reveal the indispensable role that food plays in affirming identity, culture, and connections to land. Our findings underscore the importance of local food cultures in enhancing the well-being and health of rural communities, and the way they entwine connections between humans and the more-than-human natural world.

Heritage and Language Values Hidden in Khmer Palm Leaf Manuscripts in An Giang Province, Vietnam

The manuscripts on Khmer palm leaves in An Giang province are a distinctive element of the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Khmer community in southern Vietnam. These manuscripts, made from processed palm leaves, serve as a repository of Buddhist scriptures, sacred texts, and traditional knowledge, reflecting the spiritual and cultural values of the Khmer people within the Theravada Buddhist tradition. This study examines the origins, the techniques of manuscript creation, and their cultural significance, highlighting their role in preserving the Khmer language and traditional teachings. The study also addresses the challenges posed by environmental degradation and the decline of traditional craftsmanship, which threaten the preservation of these manuscripts. The research employs methods such as ethnographic observation, document analysis, and interviews to clarify how data is collected and how this information will be used in the study. Along with providing criteria for selecting research subjects and locations, including pagodas in Tri Tôn and Tịnh Biên districts, the study is more systematic and verifiable, enhancing the scientific rigor and reliability of the results. The study proposes solutions such as raising community awareness, applying digital preservation methods, and encouraging community participation in preservation efforts. Through this, the research emphasizes the importance of Khmer palm leaf manuscripts as a cultural treasure and their relevance in preserving Khmer heritage and identity in the modern era.

Border Grassroots Museums, Memory Activism, and Radical Public History: Challenges and Possibilities

The El Paso/Ciudad Juárez region has long served as a vibrant contact zone where diverse communities intersect, coexist, and sometimes clash. This article explores Museo Mayachen, a grassroots museum established in 2008 by La Mujer Obrera, a nonprofit organisation addressing the needs of displaced garment workers. The museum was created in response to the lack of Mexican and Mexican American representation in the city’s historical narratives and the ongoing gentrification of working-class neighbourhoods. Situated in a former garment factory, the museum serves as a space for preserving community heritage and memory through initiatives like workshops, community assemblies, and a community archive. The article explores how grassroots museums, particularly in contested areas like the U.S.-Mexico border, empower marginalised communities to reclaim and represent their own histories despite the challenges involved. Keywords: Memory, Community Museums, Representation, Public History

Identity, language and communication concerns of subcultures: The case of Antalya Cretans

In today’s world, there is almost no homogeneous culture without interaction, and multiculturalism has become the most important phenomenon for all societies. Therefore, this cultural diversity, consisting of differences in culture, language, identity, religion, etc. has also brought along many problems. In the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s in “Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage”, it is stated that identifying, documenting and surveying intangible cultural heritage of communities contributes to social harmony and tolerance. This research has been conducted on the identity, language, and communication of the Cretan in Türkiye. The purpose of the study is to contribute to social peace and tolerance by examining the identity, language, and communication perceptions and concerns of the Crete-origin community living in Türkiye as a subculture group, within the context of multiculturalism and intercultural communication. In this direction, preliminary interviews, observations and semi-structured in-depth interviews were made in the fieldwork carried out between May-July 2024 in the of the Cretan immigrants who have migrated and settled in Antalya at the first settlements one of the world cities with intense multiculturalism. In the study, an answer has been sought to the question “What are the identity and linguistic anxiety, harmony and conflict situations in the communication and interaction of Cretans living in Turkey as a subculture with the dominant culture?”. The findings were subjected to thematic and descriptive analysis and interpreted. It is predicted that the findings and results of this research can be used to contribute to studies aimed at preventing identity, linguistic and cultural incompatibility and possible conflicts caused by increasing migration movements.

Integral oceans heritage of indigenous communities: Its value for good health and well-being

Integral oceans heritage of indigenous communities: Its value for good health and well-being

The handicraft sector and the factors that affect its detriment, from the perception of the shoe artisan in the municipality of Hunucmá, Yucatán

Mexico is considered a megadiverse and multicultural country, where countless cultural manifestations interact that are part of the cultural, material and intangible heritage of the native communities. The crafts are a reflection of this, mainly by using different techniques and applying ancestral knowledge. The objective is to analyze the artisanal sector and the factors that affect its detriment, from the perception of the shoe artisan of the municipality of Hunucmá, Yucatán. The study had a qualitative approach, descriptive scope and non-experimental cross-sectional design, since the study in a single moment. To achieve the objective of the study, it was necessary to interview 7 shoe artisans from the community of Hunucmá, Yucatán. Regarding the results, it was found that, with reference to the continuity of the craft activity, the respondents mentioned that they learned this trade in a relative's workshop for different reasons such as taste, necessity or as a family legacy: their period of The apprenticeship was more than three years and they have more than 20 years in the trade. The artisans mentioned that they were over 40 years old and shared their knowledge only with their family members (Children) or a close friend. However, they mentioned that fewer and fewer people are interested in learning this trade

Investigating insertional code-mixing in Italian migrants in the United Kingdom: A comparative approach

Aims: This article investigates English lexical insertions in a corpus collected with first- and second-generation Italian migrants in two English cities, namely Bedford and Cambridge. It aims to establish whether, and to what extent, two Italian heritage communities share the same patterns of language alternation. Methodology/approach: I describe the frequency and type of lexical insertions to verify whether the study of lexical insertions or insertions of multiword units can shed light on the linguistic repertoire of each of the communities. The two Italian communities share many social features but differ in the ways Italians integrated or not into the host society. Data analysis: The dataset used for this contribution was collected through qualitative interviews with Italian migrants belonging to three different generations: first, second, and intermediate generations. The corpus used in this paper consists of approximately 50 hours of speech (35 hours for Bedford and 15 hours for Cambridge). I correlated the insertions of single lexemes with semantic and pragmatic specificity from a quantitative and qualitative perspective. Conclusions/results: The results provided evidence that insertion is first influenced by specificity as already Backus argued. External parameters such as migrants’ employment, ethnic composition of the social network, the size of the migrant community, and its social visibility do not, therefore, affect the borrowability of the lexemes belonging to specific domains, the frequency of which leads to their entrenchment as English lexemes even when speakers adopt the monolingual mode in Italian or dialect. The two communities do, however, differ in terms of the matrix language into which the English insertion is embedded: Italians prefer Italian as the matrix language in Cambridge but not in Bedford. Originality: The study confirms how similar Italian communities can be characterized by different linguistic usage and by a different linguistic repertoire.

Exploring Ethnic Identity: A Pragmatic Study of the Selected Borok Folktales of Tripura

North East part of India is phenomenal for its variety prevailed in its culture, language, religion, myth, literature and many more. Most of the communities of this region can take pride of themselves for possessing their own literature, especially the folk tales. The present study is a reread of some selected folktales of the indigenous Borok story tellers of Tripura and tries to focus how these folk tales have become an important medium to create mass awareness about the cultural heritage, tradition and social values of the aboriginal communities of the tiny and beautiful state Tripura.

ABOUT THE XVII INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE OF THE RUSSIAN ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN'S HISTORY RESEARCHERS

The article contains information about the XVII International Scientific Conference of the Russian Association for the Study of Women's History, which was held on September 26-29, 2024. The conference discussed the topics of women's contribution to the cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia and the world, health and lifestyle protection, traditional and modern education, women's heritage in economic and political activities. In 2024 at the conference in the section «Women's Heritage in Academic and Teaching Communities» the results of ethnographic research of the Center for Humanitarian Problems of the Kola Science Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences were presented.

The Heritage of Emancipation: Collecting the (Invisible) Everyday

Participatory heritage mapping is one of the possible methods for valorizing emancipation practices as cultural heritage. Through the citizen science research project "HEROINES: Heritage of Emancipation - Empowering Roma Women through the Construction of Solidarity Networks", conducted by researchers from the Institute of Etnography, SASA, and the Faculty of Philosophy – University of Belgrade, in cooperation with Roma activists from Belgrade, Kostolac, and Pirot, the heritage of women's activism was defined as a distinct form of everyday life. Moreover, the research is based on the notion that women emancipation practices decisively affect the community's identity and areas of action. After providing a theoretical overview and presenting relevant examples of the process of participatory heritage mapping, this paper analyzes the potential of community mapping methods using the abovementioned example. Additionally, it considers possibilities for interpreting community heritage that, until now, has not been widely represented within official heritage institutions.