Intangible Cultural Heritage Of Humanity Research Articles

An “Earthly” Manifestation of Power: The Architectural and Urban Contexts of Iznik Tiles Produced under the Patronage of the Ottoman Palace

ABSTRACT Çini-making, which is an Ottoman underglaze ceramics tradition included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, was used extensively in the monumental architecture of the Ottoman Empire in the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, including mosques built by the Ottoman sultans and their family members. Iznik tiles reveal undeciphered relationships between Ottoman patronage and monumental architecture, and unwritten architectural rules and norms concerning tile designs. To contribute to the conservation, interpretation, and presentation of the mosque spaces, it is important to understand the tangible and intangible cultural qualities of Iznik tiles. This study examines the cultural qualities of Iznik tiles by analysing the historical and architectural qualities of the five selected sultanic mosques and by integrating the literature and field surveys through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) modelling and database. We aim to analyse and develop an evaluation model to investigate the cultural qualities of Iznik tiles on regional, urban, and architectural scales using GIS.

Preserving the Values of Mediterranean Enclosed Fields with Dry Stone Walls, an Example of Vulnerable Natural and Rural Heritage

In the continental Mediterranean mountains of the Iberian Peninsula is located a landscape characterized by the presence of enclosed land parcels delimited by dry stone walls or vegetation, or by both these elements. This landscape has been included, since 2018, in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the name of Art of dry stone walling, knowledge and techniques. However, today’s territorial dynamics jeopardize the maintenance of this landscape heritage. This work set out to understand their origins, dynamics, and evolution from the 11th century (Middle Ages) to the present using historical documentation from different sources and diachronic cartography from aerial photographs. The fieldwork was designed to identify natural, cultural features and recent dynamics, in particular those related to urbanization changes of the last 70 years. Finally, we delved into the new dynamics of exploitation that were based on extensification and a loss of productive diversity. The results obtained lead us to consider that the loss of this agro-landscape must be prevented, with a reasonable livestock grazing criteria and a rational management of its heritage features. This requires regional, national, and European policies that recognize the enclosed landscape as a heritage ecosystem in which biodiversity and agriculture are closely linked.

The Recommendation of the Mediterranean-styled Japanese Diet for Healthy Longevity.

The Mediterranean diet, listed as the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO, is known as healthy and consumed worldwide. The Japanese diet is also listed and considered healthy. This narrative review compares the Mediterranean diet with its Japanese counterpart. Research has reported that people in Mediterranean regions, such as Italy and Greece, have one-third of the mortality ratio from cardiovascular diseases compared to people in the United States and Northern Europe because of the difference in eating habits. Therefore, Mediterranean diets are considered as healthy. A typical Western diet containing high amounts of fat, sugar, and calories is responsible for several diseases like metabolic syndrome and obesity, which are induced by chronic inflammation. In contrast, Mediterranean and Japanese diets contain them only less. The similarity between Mediterranean and Japanese diets is the substantial intake of vegetables, beans, and fish. On the other hand, the Mediterranean diet consumes large amounts of olive oil, especially polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil and dairy products, but meat consumption is relatively small. In contrast, the Japanese diet does not use oil and fat, contains abundant fermented foods, and consumes seaweed. Japan is known for its longevity, and people think that a well-balanced diet daily is good for preventing and curing illness. In this regard, finding non-disease conditions, so-called "ME-BYO," and curing them before the manifestation of diseases is becoming more common. In this review, we discuss the healthy eating habit, "The Mediterranean-styled Japanese diet," which prevents ME-BYO condition and reduces the risk of various diseases. The Mediterranean-styled Japanese diet, a hybrid of Mediterranean and Japanese diets, reduces the risk of various diseases by suppressing chronic inflammation. This nutritional intervention prevents ME-BYO and is beneficial for healthy longevity. Hence, a Mediterraneanstyled Japanese diet might be helpful for healthy longevity in Japan and around the world.

Cultural schemas and folk-belief: an insight into the belief in worshiping the Mother Goddess in Vietnam

Religious belief, as noted by scholars like Émile Durkheim (1858–1917), Max Weber (1864–1920), Sigmund Freud (1856–1939), and William James (1842–1910), reflects shared values, shapes human conduct, and provides spiritual strength. Furthermore, it is considered a template that expresses the basic spiritual needs and aspirations of human life, containing many cultural values and characteristics of the thinking of ethnic communities. Moreover, people perceive everything by schemas formed in memory. In this study, the authors chose the subject of the belief in worshiping the Mother Goddess—one of the most popular and ancient beliefs in Vietnam and inscribed by UNESCO as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. Employing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys, linguistic materials, and field research, the study explores how Vietnamese cultural beliefs shape perception, behavior, and lifestyle. Therefore, understanding and analyzing the characteristics of the beliefs in worshiping the Mother Goddess through the lens of Cultural Linguistics can present the actual spiritual experiences of Vietnamese people. From this unique perspective, the process of perceiving the world has meaning to the language and behavior of a community culture.

The Popularization of the Masterpieces of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the Philharmonic of Yakutia

The article considers the popularization of the masterpieces of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by the State Philharmonic of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) within the framework of the concert programs of two international festivals: “UNESCO Masterpieces on the Land of Olonkho” and the Arctic Music Festival “Northern Lights”, as well as the educational activities of this institution, which is an outpost of the concert academic performance in the North-East of the Russian Federation and its Arctic zone. Based on the analysis of activities of the Yakutia Philharmonic to popularize the masterpieces of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, it was concluded that at present attention has been paid mainly to foreign examples of intangible cultural heritage – the music of the Armenian duduk, the music of the Azerbaijani tar, Spanish flamenco, Argentine tango in modern concert forms of their expression. Work to popularize the music of the Yakut olonkho, proclaimed in 2005 as a masterpiece of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, still remains to be done, since due to the special epic nature of the traditional genre, it has not yet been comprehended in the system of symphonic instrumentalism of the European tradition. New studies on this topic by representatives of the Yakut composer schools will make it possible for young performers to search for innovative forms and proper collaborations.

Vietnam Cult of the Mother Goddess and its Influence on Confucian Ethics in Vietnam

Vietnam is a country with many spiritual beliefs that reflect the values of its inhabitants, being an important component of their traditional culture. A special place is occupied by faith in the Mother Goddess. This kind of beliefs, which is completely unique for Vietnam, has a long history and emphasizes the feminine principle through the image of a woman with the power and ability to create, enrich and develop everything that exists. Faith in the Mother Goddess reflects the values and high human qualities of the Vietnamese, and it has been recognized by UNESCO as an object of representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Confucian ethics was adopted in Vietnam, but it was influenced by the Vietnamese belief in the Mother Goddess. The cult of the Mother Goddess also had a great influence on the ideas about the role of women in society. The study analyzes the origins, features and values of this cult and indicates its influence on the Vietnamese Confucian ethics. It is established that the activities of the worship of the Mother Goddess contribute to strengthening the sense of community of the Vietnamese nation. In connection with the development of Confucian ethics within the framework of Vietnamese culture, the attitude towards women has changed to a more humane and open one. In modern times, the cult of mother worship has acquired secular features and can be seen as a sign of gender equality.

Frevo: The State of the Art in Music

Frevo is a Brazilian cultural expression composed of music and dance. Its musical genre is popular, but part of its musical structure is based on classical music theory. In recent years, research on frevo music has been growing. This is likely related to the recognition of frevo as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In this literature review, I present the current state of the art of frevo music. Research on frevo music is primarily focused on the field of Ethnomusicology and technical aspects, such as technical and interpretive analysis.

TRADITION AND CULTURE AS THE BASE FOR THE TOURISM PRODUCT: CASE OF UNESCO INTANGIBLE HERITAGE

The traditional Serbian folk dance Kolo was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017. Kolo is a communal folk dance that is performed at both public and private celebrations of the most significant occasions in people's lives and the lives of communities. Kolo is an important socially integrating component of Serbian cultural heritage. The paper investigates the potential of learning Serbian dance as part of the cultural tourism offer of different regions in Serbia. Data were obtained through a survey using the Likert scale and analysis using SmartPls software. The aim of this research is to examine the tradition of local tourism based on folklore culture with which tourists have cultural contact as well as the effect of culture and tradition on the intention and interest in folklore culture. The study reveals a high and statistically significant positive impact of motivation for travel, culture, tradition and interest in Serbian traditional dance - kolo.

Effect of ZnO Addition on The Characteristics of Cotton Fabric in The Batik Fabric Dyeing Process

For centuries, batik fabric has been a part of Indonesian culture and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Batik fabric is essential for daily use and has become a part of Indonesian people, e.g., birth to death ceremonies. Besides some advantages of batik fabric made from cotton, it also has disadvantages because it quickly grows bacterial. Hence, it is essential to develop antibacterial properties on batik fabrics. This study used ZnO as an antibacterial agent. The mechanical properties and the colorfastness of fabrics have been evaluated to study the effect of ZnO application. The results showed that applying ZnO affected the mechanical properties of batik fabric by increasing the tensile strength and elongation at break. The result also showed that the ZnO did not affect the colorfastness of rubber and light by the similar value of untreated batik fabric.

Construction and application of a knowledge graph-based question answering system for Nanjing Yunjin digital resources

Nanjing Yunjin, one of China's traditional silk weaving techniques, is renowned for its unique local characteristics and exquisite craftsmanship, and was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. However, with rapid development in weaving technology, ever-changing market demands, and shifting public aesthetics, Nanjing Yunjin, as an intangible cultural heritage, faces the challenge of survival and inheritance. Addressing this issue requires efficient storage, management, and utilization of Yunjin knowledge to enhance public understanding and recognition of Yunjin culture. In this study, we have constructed an intelligent question-answering system for Nanjing Yunjin digital resources based on knowledge graph, utilizing the Neo4j graph database for efficient organization, storage, and protection of Nanjing Yunjin knowledge, thereby revealing its profound cultural connotations. Furthermore, we adopted deep learning algorithms for natural language parsing. Specifically, we adopted BERT-based intent recognition technology to categorize user queries by intent, and we employed the BERT + BiGRU + CRF model for entity recognition. By comparing with BERT + BILSTM + CRF, BERT + CRF and BILSTM + CRF models, our model demonstrated superior performance in terms of precision, recall, and F1 score, substantiating the superiority and effectiveness of this model. Finally, based on the parsed results of the question, we constructed knowledge graph query statements, executed by the Cypher language, and the processed query results were fed back to the users in natural language. Through system implementation and testing, multiple indices including system response time, stability, load condition, accuracy, and scalability were evaluated. The experimental results indicated that the Nanjing Yunjin intelligent question-answering system, built on the knowledge graph, is able to efficiently and accurately generate answers to user’s natural language queries, greatly facilitating the retrieval and utilization of Yunjin knowledge. This not only reinforces the transmission, promotion, and application of Yunjin culture but also provides a paradigm for constructing other intangible cultural heritage question-answering systems based on knowledge graphs. This has substantial theoretical and practical significance for deeply exploring and uncovering the knowledge structure of human intangible heritage, promoting cultural inheritance and protection.

How “modern” has German Modern Dance Remained?—The Case with the 2022 UNESCO Inscription

This research focuses on the process of heritagization and how it functions to both legitimize a dance practice and generate a new set of values for the practice. More specifically, I explore how the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed Modern Dance in Germany as Humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) on its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2022. I argue that this designation is a gradual recontextualization, that impacts both the practice itself and its status among global communities. Ultimately, this discursive change puts into question the categorization of German Modern Dance as “modern” in the midst of other “traditional” dances inscribed as heritage on the same list, and sparks questions about the influence of labels and categories on dance practices. I illustrate how the creation of dance as ICH enhances comprehension of national agendas linked to heritage appreciation, illuminates institutional participation in the formation of “national heritage,” and significantly contributes to the necessary definition and codification process for inscription, while also acknowledging the evolving and mutable nature of Modern Dance in Germany.

Defending Ñöñhö identity and survival through festival performances and the affirmation of local cultural sovereignty in Querétaro, Mexico

ABSTRACT The festivals of San Miguel in the municipality of Tolimán, performed by the Ñöñhö (Otomí) indigenous community of the Querétaro Mexican state, include different celebrations. This article focuses on two such celebrations: the Danza de Conquista and the ritual of the chimal. I approach these two celebrations as elements of Ñöñhö identity making and as illustrations of the resilience of the people of Tolimán who rejected the proposal to have the festivals recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. In June and July of 2021, I interviewed participants in the festivals and representatives of cultural institutions that promote them. My fieldwork was guided by a series of key questions: (a) What are the meanings of the chimal for Tolimanenses? (b) How do Tolimanenses see emigration to the United States, and in what ways do people who emigrate there maintain links with these festive traditions? (c) what were the steps of the process that led to the proposal to have UNESCO designate the festivals as Intangible Cultural Heritage? My research reveals the festivals as having a transformative power of resilience, belonging, and identity validation.

An Ontological Model for the Representation of Vallenato as Cultural Heritage in a Context-Aware System

The traditional Colombian vallenato was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on 1 December 2015 with urgency for it to be safeguarded, which led the government of Colombia in the head of the Ministry of Culture and the vallenato music cluster to develop a safeguarding plan that contains different activities, among which stands out a platform for the management of vallenato through educational processes. In this sense, this document proposes an ontological model for the representation of vallenato as cultural heritage in a context-aware system called Vallenatic. The ontology was developed using the NeOn methodology, designed in the Protégé software, and has 15 concepts (Vallenata Songs, Artist, Devices, Persons, Environment, Cultural Managers, Interface, Location, MOOC, Learning Object, Profile, Preference, Net, Time Cultural, Event, Cultural_Sites). The model was evaluated by means of nine (9) situations described in natural language and SWRL; this language was used since it allows expressing OWL concepts in combination with RuleML. The proposed model can be used for other musical genres that have the recognition of cultural and intangible heritage, such as the Spanish flamenco, Argentine Tango, Mexican Mariachi music, Peruvian scissors dance, Brazilian capoeira, Dominican bachata, Jamaican reggae, among others.

Mediterranean Diet, Sustainability, and Tourism-A Study of the Market's Demand and Knowledge.

Globalization intensified competitiveness among agribusinesses worldwide in recent years. The European Commission focused on enhancing sustainable agriculture and food products' territorial uniqueness for competing in the international market. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a model of feeding and lifestyle belonging to the ancient Mediterranean culture, which also embodies a sustainable food system. Therefore, in 2010, UNESCO recognized the MD as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and Sicily (southern Italy) is its official physical site. Despite its worldwide fame, the notion of the MD runs the risk of being mystified because it is described most often as something that does not correspond to what it is holistically. The aim of this study is to know the market demand of the MD by Italian people and foreign tourists in Sicily and the level of knowledge of the MD by users, both consumers and experts. A survey at top Sicilian traditional restaurants with owners/chefs and their clients was carried out. The study provided an in-depth understanding of the current lack of knowledge about the holistic meaning of the MD. The study highlights the desirability of integrated science-policy actions (also for communication) and proposes a vertical communication system to revive and direct the MD demand toward its holistic model.

The Persistence of Memory. Exploring the Significance of Glass from Materiality to Intangible Values

As a material, glass has been linked with knowledge and skill mastery for at least three millennia, reflecting the use of traditional tools and technologies inherited from the past. The history of glass speaks of know-how, technological transitions, and contaminations among preferences and raw materials. An increase in the awareness of traditional knowledge underlying the tradition of glass manufacturing has recently been observed with the inscription of the art of Venetian glass beads on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which has been recognized as a repository of knowledge and mastery of skills, reflecting the use of traditional tools and technologies inherited from the past. However, the potential that glass holds to rediscover the flows and exchanges of technological knowledge in the past has only been explored marginally, and issues linked to the intangible values and the socio-cultural significance of glass are still only sporadically addressed. This review aims to stimulate reflection on the diversity of the significance underlying glass as a material that has marked the cultural and technological history of man. This study will establish the foundation for a methodological reflection in the approach to the study of ancient glass that is intended to help uncover the intangible values that it is an embodiment for.

A study on the construction of knowledge graph of Yunjin video resources under productive conservation

Nanjing Yunjin, a highly representative Chinese silk weaving handicraft, was included in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. However, due to modern silk weaving technology advancements, aesthetic style evolution, and inadequate public recognition of Yunjin culture, the art faces a decline in market recognition and practitioners, posing a risk to its preservation. Addressing this issue necessitates product innovation, efficient knowledge storage, management, and utilization, and enhancing public cultural identity for Yunjin. Following the government’s “productive conservation” concept for intangible cultural heritage (ICH) projects in the handicraft category, this study uses Yunjin video resources as the primary data source. It constructs a domain knowledge graph (DKG) using an ontological approach to effectively and systematically preserve Yunjin knowledge. Furthermore, the study leverages Neo4j network topology to reveal intricate and diverse relationships within Yunjin knowledge, uncovering rich cultural connotations. Lastly, Cypher is employed for semantic queries, graph visualization, and domain expert evaluation. Evaluation results indicate that the constructed Yunjin DKG meets quality standards, supporting the development of products that align with market aesthetics while preserving Yunjin’s intrinsic cultural values. This approach fosters a complementary relationship between economic benefits and ICH. Additionally, the Yunjin DKG application presents a technical path for knowledge interconnection, integration, and discovery within ICH projects in the handicraft category.

Study on inheritance and protection strategies of traditional tea processing techniques and their associated social practices

As the tea plant originated in China, China is considered the cradle of the tea civilization. "Tea", one of the three major drinks in the world alongside cocoa and coffee, is important for people around the world. In 2022, China's application for "traditional tea processing techniques and their associated social practices" was deliberated and approved by the 17th UNESCO Intergovernmental Working Conference and they were added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Mayan diet model based on the Mediterranean diet as a nutritional alternative for southeastern Mexico

 Nutritional education in Mexico is a necessary strategy to address the serious public health problem that is currently being experienced, since the population is suffering from chronic degenerative diseases, such as obesity, dyslipidemias, arterial hypertension and pathologies that unfortunately are already present in children thanks to a poor and unbalanced diet. Seeking alternatives for food orientation and for reducing these health problems, the Mediterranean diet was taken as an inspiring model. This healthy pattern, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, is characterized by several structural elements, such as the promotion of regional and seasonal food, the respect of the nature, the cooking food at home, the consumption of a moderate amount of food, the promotion of family ties and communication, the practice of daily physical exercise and adequate rest. The proposal for a Mediterranean-based Mayan diet model also aims to integrate the entity’s native resources, promote food security in the southeast region of Mexico nd preserve the ancient recipes that have been inherited from our Mayan ancestors.

Virginity as a sign of Masculinity: The case of the Borana Oromo, Ethiopia

This article discusses the socially constructed masculinity of unmarried girls among the Borana in southern Ethiopia. The Borana practice the longstanding Gadaa political system, which was inscribed by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2016. Data for this article was gathered through qualitative approaches, including interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and direct observation of the 2012 Gadaa general assembly. Such an assembly is held once every eight years to enact new Gadaa rules and amend the existing ones. The findings indicated that the Gadaa system provides rules regulating Borana marriage lives, including premarital virginity for girls. The Borana refers to an unmarried girl as “dubra gammee,” which means “a virgin girl,” who has a masculine identity and is “a male person.” Unmarried girls have certain physical markers, particularly a hairstyle that they share with boys. Any sexual act with unmarried girls is therefore homosexual and punishable. Gadaa and all related institutions care for the premarital virginity of girls. The Gadaa rules impose punishment unconditionally on men who have sex with unmarried girls. On the other hand, the Borana tolerate extramarital sexual relations, which has partly contributed to maintaining the premarital sexual innocence of Borana girls.

Can UNESCO Use Blockchain to Ensure the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity? A Systemic Approach That Explains the Why, How, and Difficulties of Such a Venture

Focusing on the implementation of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), this article highlights the fact that the cataloging procedures, the way records are stored, and the metadata models used during the recording, visualization, and storage of ICH expression elements, vary from country to country. Especially in these days of great uncertainty, war conflicts, and systemic risks that may arise, it is vital to clarify what techniques will be used in the storage of ICH to ensure its unhindered preservation and dissemination over time across the globe. Using the systems thinking approach indicated for cases of great complexity, the process followed in Greece for depositing a new element in its local repository is described to demonstrate the need for a well-defined process by UNESCO, which must be followed worldwide, and which has not been defined so far. What are the potential challenges not only in determining the type of data, but also in choosing the best metadata model to use in each case when capturing these data? What technologies must be used for storing digital cultural heritage in such a way that will preserve it over time, defying physical and technological hazards? This article finally suggests how blockchain technologies (BT) can be effectively used to store the global ICH and ensure its continuity in future generations by creating a decentralized worldwide network between the heritage stakeholders.