The Importance of Cultural HeritageThe Importance of Cultural Heritage
There are numerous ways to preserve cultural heritage. Many people do not realize that the past is part of our collective identity. Whether the culture is a living tradition, an artifact, a monument, or a belief, it is an integral part of our civilization. It is therefore vital to protect cultural heritage as much as possible. In the past, we have largely ignored the importance of cultural heritage. Today, however, cultural heritage is under attack as a strategic pillar in extremist warfare and is often seen as an attack on civilization.
This is a long-standing problem in cultural heritage protection. It involves a difficult balance between public and private rights. Ancient Romans, for instance, recognized the value of private works of art in the public domain. Moreover, sculptures that adorned private buildings were not to be removed without permission. Those who wish to protect cultural heritage must be considerate of these considerations. The cultural heritage of the contemporary nation should be protected as much as possible.
Similarly, the concept of cultural heritage can also be applied to tangible objects. A good example of this is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, which is displayed at the Musee du Louvre in Paris. From a modern perspective, this painting is an example of cultural heritage. Nonetheless, this work has significant meaning, and it is worth studying. Its creation and preservation are important, but a misguided use of it can also have harmful consequences.
Humankind’s sacking and pillaging has also been a cultural heritage. The Conquistadors destroyed entire civilizations, including the Aztecs and Incas. More recent examples include the Star Spangled Banner, which is held in the Smithsonian and flew over Baltimore weeks after the British burned down the U.S. Capitol. Clearly, cultural heritage is an asset to the society. And in times of crisis, the importance of cultural heritage cannot be overstated.
In addition to preserving the culture of a nation, it also helps to protect its cultural objects. As a property of mankind, cultural objects are protected through international public policy. Preservation, accessibility, and understanding of their history are just some of the benefits of protecting cultural heritage. In the 21st century, this is no longer enough. It is time to make the arts and cultural objects accessible to a global audience. That’s where the human rights law approach comes in.
In this regard, cultural heritage is the backbone of any nation. Every human being has a culture. The practice of a culture brings unity within a group and helps people share stories of where they come from. But a culture doesn’t develop overnight; it takes many years of practice before it becomes an established one. The country of Bhutan has preserved its culture as a result of its geographic isolation and government. The country’s cultural heritage is an essential part of its national identity, and it is a major source of pride for its people.
There are a number of ways to restore cultural heritage that is lost due to war. The UNESCO Convention on Cultural Heritage of Mankind outlines the process for restoring cultural property. While the definition of national heritage is subject to interpretation, there are some guidelines that are useful for dealing with situations of cultural heritage theft. For example, under article 7(b) of the Convention, objects that have been in possession of other countries but have been transferred should be returned.
