Intangible Heritage Research Articles

Hearing Victims’ Voices: The Asbestos Story in the Archive

This paper is developed from a keynote presentation to the Hazardous Heritage Conference, Antwerp, 23 to 24 October 2023. It aims to contribute to the ongoing conversation around toxic heritage in museums and archives. It focuses on the ways that the asbestos story has been archived and curated at the UK’s largest aggregation of asbestos-related archives at the Archives and Special Collections, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland. Particular attention is placed on the University’s asbestos-related oral history interviews and the potential of oral history as “intangible heritage.” The focus here is on the community behind the heritage. I discuss how the witness stories of workers exposed to asbestos, their family members and activists and advocacy groups help us to better understand the toxic heritage of asbestos and the impact of the asbestos disaster.

The Protection of Sports Intangible Cultural Heritage in Western China From the Perspective of Information Technology

The Protection of Sports Intangible Cultural Heritage in Western China From the Perspective of Information Technology

Research on the inheritance and protection of intangible cultural heritage under the perspective of metauniverse

Research on the inheritance and protection of intangible cultural heritage under the perspective of metauniverse

Research on the new media communication channels of the intangible cultural heritage "Puppet Show"

Research on the new media communication channels of the intangible cultural heritage "Puppet Show"

Unpacking Generation Z tourists’ motivation for intangible cultural heritage tourism

ABSTRACT Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) tourism is a vital means of promoting cultural diversity and sustainable development. Improving the younger generation’s engagement in ICH tourism can contribute to the inheritance and preservation of ICH. Drawing on self-determination theory, this study examines Generation Z tourists’ intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for participating in ICH tourism. Findings reveal that two intrinsic motives (authenticity and novelty seeking) and three extrinsic motives (cultural identification, social sustainability, and social media engagement) positively influence Generation Z travellers’ intention to take ICH tourism. Historical nostalgia, as an intrinsic motivation, does not affect their intention toward ICH tourism.

Performing heritage at Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral

ABSTRACT This article explores the politics of cultural heritage in societies experiencing secularization and religious diversification by examining recent efforts made by Cordoba's Cathedral Chapter to emphasize the Christian origins and identity of the iconic Mosque-Cathedral. We argue that the Cathedral Chapter’s approach to managing and narrating the building over the past two decades responds largely to tensions stemming from the divergence between the primacy of its Islamic or multi-religious identity characteristic of popular representations of the building, both within Spain and beyond, on the one hand, and the primacy of the building’s Christian identity as manifested in the institutional arrangements concerning its ownership, management, and use, on the other. While this divergence has been a source of periodic tensions since the 1970s, such tensions have been amplified by recent symbolic acts and popular movements contesting the Church’s dominion over the Mosque-Cathedral, as well as by broader societal changes that have diminished the Church’s power and influence and heightened its sense of vulnerability. We identify and analyse four main strategies employed by the Catholic Church to (re)narrate the meaning of the building and assert its Christian roots and identity: (1) archaeological projects attempting to demonstrate its Christian foundations; (2) liturgical practices presenting it as a church to establish its Christian identity; (3) discursive practices framing Catholic traditions and rituals as ‘intangible heritage’ crucial to the building's successful preservation; and (4) the unconditional prohibition of Muslims from performing Islamic prayers. In our research, we have focused on the utilization of museological methods and the interweaving of diverse repertoires (scientific, artistic, religious), by Catholic actors, aimed authenticating and validating novel interpretations about the origin and Christian character of the building.

Spatial Distribution, Influencing Factors and Sustainable Development of Fishery Cultural Resources in the Yangtze River Basin

Agricultural cultural heritage is crucial in advancing comprehensive rural revitalization. The Yangtze River Basin is rich in biodiversity and abundant in fishery cultural resources. The cultural resources not only reflect the ecological wisdom of harmonious coexistence and the human–land relationship between humans and nature but also provide critical cultural support for rural revitalization and watershed sustainable development. This study investigates the spatial distribution, influencing factors, and historical evolution of fishery cultural resources in the Yangtze River Basin. The highest proportions of significant resources are found in fishery engineering and landscapes, culinary flavors, fishery customs, dances, fishery gear, and poetry. By analyzing 14 categories of fishery cultural resources and 157 national and provincial intangible cultural heritage items, this study reveals a significant geographical clustering of these resources in the mid-lower reaches, particularly around the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake Basin, Wuhan and Dongting Lake, and the lower reaches of the Taihu Lake Basin. This study underscores the role of natural geographical conditions, aquatic biodiversity, socio-economic factors, and historical–cultural backgrounds in the distribution and evolution of fishery cultural resources, with these factors interacting dynamically. By advocating for a comprehensive approach to coordinating fishery culture preservation with rural revitalization, this study outlines a multidimensional strategy for the preservation and sustainable development of fishery cultural resources.

Sustainable culinary culture: gastronomic practices of locals' transitional periods in Menteşe in the context of intangible cultural heritage

Sustainable culinary culture: gastronomic practices of locals' transitional periods in Menteşe in the context of intangible cultural heritage

Market participation as livelihood and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage: A case of Chăm ethnic minority pottery households in Vietnam

This study examines the extent of market participation among Chăm pottery producers in Vietnam and the factors that influence this extent. The research utilized the total market participation index to assess the level of market participation and Tobit regression to examine the factors influencing market participation. Primary data were collected from a sample of 150 pottery households. The study demonstrates that pottery households are involved in the market to varying degrees. Factors such as family size, hired labourers, production space, self-owned transportation, average distance to customers, amount of advertising, and credit accessibility positively affect their participation in the market. Shipping damage, government assistance, non-pottery income, and education level of household head have a negative effect. The findings indicate that government assistance should consider the requirements of pottery households to develop efficient support measures. The research serves as a useful reference for policymakers and managers in devising strategies to promote both the growth of traditional craft production and the sustained well-being of ethnic groups. This, in turn, would contribute to the overall economic advancement of the country.

Research on the construction of intangible cultural heritage corridors in the Yellow River Basin based on geographic information system (GIS) technology and the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model

Objectively and accurately identifying the spatial structure and protection scope of intangible cultural heritage and constructing intangible cultural heritage corridors are crucial for the comprehensive systematic protection of intangible cultural heritage and the synergistic development of the region. However, the current research on intangible cultural heritage is limited to the protection and development of intangible cultural heritage in specific locations or specific areas. Thus, systematic and holistic research perspectives are relatively limited. Therefore, this study employs geographic information system spatial analysis and the minimum cumulative resistance model to construct an intangible cultural heritage corridor in the Yellow River Basin. This study aims to establish a systematic protection method and framework for intangible cultural heritage. The results show the following: (1) The intangible cultural heritage in the Yellow River Basin has a large-scale centralized distribution and small-scale scattered distribution, which provides an important spatial basis for the construction of intangible cultural heritage corridors. (2) Overall, intangible cultural heritage corridors can be more effectively constructed in the eastern region of the Yellow River Basin than in the western region, with 84.6% of the area being suitable and 15.4% being unsuitable. (3) Based on the suitability analysis, the "18 + N" corridor system of intangible cultural heritage in the Yellow River Basin, distributed across the eastern, central and southern regions, is constructed. The major corridor has a suitable width of 60–100 km, a total length of 11,935 km, and an area of 625,976 km2–919,942 km2, and can connect 634–711 intangible cultural heritage sites in series. On this basis, this study proposes a multilevel construction system for intangible cultural heritage corridors in the Yellow River Basin that integrates the "network structure–spatial scope" and "element–axis–region" levels. This approach culminates in a pattern of intangible cultural heritage protection and development in the Yellow River Basin characterized by "connecting points into lines, distributing in groups, and linking regions." This study reveals that combining geographic information system spatial analysis tools with a minimum cumulative resistance model effectively identifies potential heritage corridor networks and clarifies the hierarchical relationships of heritage element protection in the study area. This approach provides a reference model for the comprehensive protection and systematic development of intangible cultural heritage in the Yellow River Basin. Furthermore, the effectiveness and universality of this framework make it applicable to the protection and development of other similar international heritage areas.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of intangible cultural heritage among youth in Sichuan, China: a cross-sectional study

PurposeThe preservation and transmission of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) relies heavily on the interest and commitment of younger generations. In Sichuan, China, youths serve as a conduit and steward to the inheritance passed down from previous generations. Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) studies have been advantageous in providing insights into a community’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards safeguarding heritage. This study investigates the KAP of Sichuan youth regarding ICH.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a quantitative methodology, utilizing a survey questionnaire on the KAP dimensions. The study involved 384 youths between the ages of 15 and 24 across 21 cities in Sichuan, China. Statistical analyses were conducted using both descriptive and inferential statistics.FindingsThe results of the study showed that Sichuan youths had a high level of knowledge of ICH and a high level of positive attitudes towards ICH but scored in the moderate range for ICH practices. There were significant differences in the knowledge of ICH among youths of different ages and education levels. In addition, there was a strong correlation between knowledge and attitudes, a strong correlation between knowledge and practices and a moderate correlation between attitudes and practices.Originality/valueThis study is the first to investigate the KAP of ICH among youth in Sichuan, China. The findings of this study suggest that several areas—such as ICH categorization (knowledge), approaches to safeguarding ICH (knowledge), levels of satisfaction with ICH safeguarding effectiveness (attitudes), ICH product purchasing (practices) and membership to clubs or associations aimed at safeguarding ICH (practices)—need to be further strengthened. Reinforcement in these areas will encourage positive behaviors and perspectives among the younger generation and facilitate in the management of ICH by institutions or organizations.

Language Heritage and the UK Public: Successes and Challenges of the UK Heritage Sector

ABSTRACT The United Kingdom (UK) lacks a uniform approach to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH) such as language. The UK ratified the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in June 2024. In the absence of any UK-wide ICH framework, various approaches to safeguarding ICH have been taken at nation-level and at the level of (usually individual) museums, libraries and heritage groups. ICH can bring tangible heritage to life and give objects meaning and enhance the dynamic of cultural heritage. However, although language is included in the UNESCO Convention, to the extent that it is a “vehicle” of ICH, only recently have some museums and other organizations started to exhibit language. This article sets out our research findings from a pilot study undertaken in 2022 where we engaged with heritage sector professionals to identify how their organizations currently work with language heritage. Participants in our study voiced concerns that language heritage can be hard to encapsulate. We outline the challenges and successes of language heritage work, as well as the support that professionals felt they needed to undertake further work to enable them to engage with the public and local communities in order to safeguard this important aspect of ICH.

Digital Preservation, Inheritance, and Innovative Development of Intangible Cultural Heritage from the Perspective of Metaverse

With the rapid change of meta-universe technology, the digital inheritance of intangible cultural heritage ( ICH ) shows unprecedented broad prospects, and injects new vitality into the inheritance and development of ICH. Aiming at the multiple challenges in the process of digital inheritance of ICH, this paper explores in depth the specific application of meta-universe technology in ICH, and proposes a series of innovative strategies such as the digital inheritance of visual language, the construction of immersive experience, the protection of free creation and copyright, and the construction of panoramic interactive venues. These strategies provide a new perspective and practical methodology for the digital inheritance of intangible heritage, and at the same time make a positive contribution to the promotion of the continuous prosperity and innovation of intangible heritage culture. This paper is committed to providing solid theoretical support and practical guidance for the protection, inheritance and innovation of ICH, so as to help ICH culture to be revitalized in the digital era.

Design framework to renewal abandoned areas in historic districts

ABSTRACT Urbanization and population growth have profoundly impacted the environment of historic and cultural blocks, resulting in a lack of public buildings and spaces for internal adjustment, fostering pronounced homogeneity. This study focuses on completely abandoned areas within historical streets, integrating space syntax analysis with semantic analysis to explore reshaping regional public buildings. Unlike previous studies centered around restoring old objects, the abandoned disconnected areas require a novel regional public architecture design framework through the semantic transformation of archival photographs, historical plans, and local culture. Taking Huishan Ancient Town in Wuxi as a case study, this research comprehends the abandoned disconnection area through a literature review and examination of archival data. By using spatial syntax analysis to combine the overall pedestrian flow space with the depth of ancient historical plans, entrances are set according to the pedestrian flow, preserving unique spatial characteristics and transforming the abandoned land into new public building spaces with distinct regional and contiguous features. Through semantic translation rooted in local culture, classical elements were extracted from intangible cultural heritage and applied to the ancient town’s architectural facades, navigation systems, and structures, thereby mitigating homogenization tendencies in both spatial and cultural elements.

THE ROLE OF KASHMIRI FOLK MUSIC IN PRESERVING CULTURAL IDENTITY AND FOSTERING SOCIAL COHESION

Kashmiri folk music, with its rich tapestry of melodic traditions and lyrical storytelling, plays a pivotal role in preserving the cultural heritage and identity of the Kashmir Valley. This research article explores the historical evolution, distinctive features, and socio-cultural significance of Kashmiri folk music. By examining traditional instruments, musical genres, and the narratives encapsulated in folk songs, the study underscores how this musical heritage reflects the region's diverse cultural influences and historical experiences. The research delves into the role of folk music in community gatherings, religious ceremonies, and seasonal festivals, highlighting its function in fostering social cohesion and communal harmony. Through qualitative analysis the article sheds light on the transmission of musical knowledge across generations and the adaptive strategies employed to sustain these traditions in the face of modern challenges. Furthermore, the study addresses the impact of political unrest and socio-economic changes on the folk music landscape, considering how musicians and communities navigate these dynamics to maintain their musical practices. The research concludes by advocating for the preservation and promotion of Kashmiri folk music as an integral part of the region's intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between local communities, cultural organizations, and policymakers.

Animation Production Contributes to the Innovation and Development of Intangible Oil Paper Umbrella Culture

This study explores using animation to enhance the cultural promotion and innovation of intangible heritage oil paper umbrellas. These umbrellas, rich in history and craftsmanship, face modern challenges like market decline and skill inheritance issues. The research seeks to offer fresh insights and strategies for cultural preservation and innovation through animation. It starts by examining the cultural significance and current challenges of oil paper umbrellas, such as waning market interest and a lack of youth engagement with tradition. The study then discusses the role of animation in promoting intangible culture, highlighting its potential to raise awareness, engage the youth, and showcase traditional Chinese charm. The research suggests innovative promotional ideas like animation series, interactive platforms, and cultural events, focusing on multimedia, storytelling, and technology. It also proposes new concepts like cultural element extraction, cross-industry collaboration, and digital presentation to highlight the umbrella's unique appeal and facilitate its promotion. The conclusion emphasizes that animation is a powerful tool for cultural promotion and preservation, with the potential to revitalize the oil paper umbrella culture in the modern era. It anticipates future developments in market reach, education, cultural exchange, and social engagement, stressing the need for ongoing innovation in cultural inheritance. Overall, the study aims to provide a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the preservation and innovative development of the oil paper umbrella culture, fostering integration with modern society and promoting sustainable cultural growth.

Understanding the acceptance of online tourism programs: Perspectives of generic learning outcomes and theory of planned behavior

The integration of information technology, particularly the Internet, with the tourism industry has laid a solid foundation for the widespread popularity of online tourism. Online tourism offers numerous advantages such as being unconstrained by time, space, and region, having low costs, and providing strong interactive features, making it increasingly popular worldwide. Nevertheless, not all individuals are willing to adopt online tourism, and the factors and mechanisms that influence online tourism require further investigation. This study aims to examine the factors that influence the intention to adopt online tourism by integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the Generic Learning Outcomes (GLOs). Using the Yunyou Dunhuang Online Program (云游敦煌), the current study invited tourists to participate in the online tourism experience, and collected 536 pieces of data. The results of structural equation modeling reveal that: (1) attitude toward using and perceived usefulness positively predict behavioral intention to use; (2) perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and subjective norm significantly and positively predict attitude toward using; (3) perceived ease of use significantly and positively predicted perceived usefulness, while knowledge and understanding, activity, behavior, and progression had no significant effect on perceived usefulness; (4) knowledge and understanding positively predicted perceived ease of use, while activity, behavior, and progression had no significant effect on perceived ease of use. This study explores the factors influencing online tourism adoption intention in a comprehensive way. The findings hold practical significance for the design of online tourism programs for intangible cultural heritage, providing theoretical guidance for cultural heritage and development.

Yu Shuxi’s Biography and Transmission of Pingdiao Sanxianshu Chinese Folk Singing in the Context of Literacy

This study investigates the role of Yu Shuxi in the transmission and preservation of Pingdiao Sanxianshu, an intangible cultural heritage, within the context of literacy and education. By analyzing the cultural significance and pedagogical practices of Yu Shuxi’s artistry, the research explores the impact of traditional folk arts on literacy development and cultural identity formation. Utilizing qualitative methods, including interviews with key informants and field observations in Baofeng County, Henan Province, the study captures the intricate relationship between individual biographies and broader educational practices. Data analysis reveals how Yu Shuxi’s life story and teachings in Pingdiao Sanxianshu contribute to cultural preservation and literacy skills among learners, emphasizing the need for integration of traditional arts in modern education. The results indicate the potential of such arts to enhance critical thinking, linguistic abilities, and cultural literacy. Consequently, the research suggests collaborative measures across educational institutions, governmental policies, and community efforts to ensure the viability and relevance of traditional folk arts like Pingdiao Sanxianshu in contemporary society, maintaining their legacy for future generations.

Rising Temperatures, Wavering Human Towers? Temperature Trends and Thermal Comfort during Castells Exhibitions in Catalonia (1951–2023). Case Studies in Valls (24 June), La Bisbal del Penedès (15 August), Tarragona (19 August), and Vilafranca del Penedès (30 August)

This study analyzes temperature trends and thermal comfort during the key hours (i.e., from noon to 3:00 p.m.) of human tower (castells) performances in four significant festivities involving this outdoor exhibition (diada castellera) in Catalonia. Human towers were recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The selected exhibitions were Sant Joan in Valls on 24 June; Festa Major de La Bisbal del Penedès on 15 August; Sant Magí in Tarragona on 19 August; and Sant Fèlix in Vilafranca del Penedès on 30 August. Temperature and relative humidity data were downloaded from the Copernicus Climate Change Service’s ERA5-Land and ERA5 pressure level datasets, respectively, with reanalysis from 1951 to 2023. The results revealed a clear upward trend in temperatures over the last several decades in these four places and for the respective dates, from +0.3 °C per decade in La Bisbal del Penedès to +0.42 °C per decade in Valls. Most of the positive temperature anomalies were concentrated in the last 25 years. The calculation of the Heat Index revealed a higher occurrence of years with possible fatigue due to prolonged exposure and/or physical activity in the three inland locations (i.e., Valls, La Bisbal del Penedès, and Vilafranca del Penedès) and a greater frequency of years with possible heat stroke, heat cramps, and/or heat exhaustion in Tarragona, which is near the Mediterranean Sea. This warming trend and increased discomfort pose potential health risks for participants and suggests a need for adaptive measures. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating climate considerations into human tower planning.

Using CAD Technology and Multimodal Data Analysis to Explore the Craftsmanship of the Intangible Cultural Heritage: Li Pottery Art

Using CAD Technology and Multimodal Data Analysis to Explore the Craftsmanship of the Intangible Cultural Heritage: Li Pottery Art