Cultural heritage is a vital component of communities and societies, representing identity in terms of culture and natural surroundings. Its value in shaping the social and economic fabric of societies is well established, and is one reason that preservation and management efforts have gained in prominence and funding. The question of how much value it has is more complicated, however, and depends on a variety of factors that can be hard to quantify.
Values ascribed to heritage vary over time and between different groups. This has become more important as democracy has spread internationally and a new generation of citizens has become more diverse in their attitudes toward heritage. Heritage professionals can be challenged to find ways of incorporating these different views into their decision making process in order to maximize the benefits of conservation and management.
The concept of heritage has evolved over time to encompass both tangible and intangible elements. Tangible heritage includes artifacts (paintings, drawings, prints, mosaics and sculptures), historical buildings, and archaeological sites that stand as enduring symbols of humanity’s creativity and historic significance. Intangible heritage encompasses non-physical attributes, such as traditions, oral histories, languages and rituals, that encapsulate the living culture of a community, and foster connection across generations.
Aside from promoting cultural identity, intangible heritage also fosters global solidarity and understanding. It is a means of connecting with the history of other cultures and societies, and serves as a tool to promote peace and cohesion in a world that has increasingly been characterized by polarization.
The protection of cultural heritage can be a thorny issue because it often involves balancing the rights of individuals and groups with the needs of society as a whole. Traditionally, the balance has been found by establishing that cultural property possesses a shared value and therefore can’t be removed without significant consequences for the rest of the community. For example, the ancient Romans recognized that works of art could be considered part of the patrimony of a community even if they were privately owned. This principle was later extended to monuments and other public heritage.
Cultural heritage has been a powerful force in nation building. The preservation of historic and sacred sites unites a country’s people and reinforces its sense of unity. The destruction of cultural heritage by religious reformers or political revolutionaries, on the other hand, can prolong a status quo and prevent new leaders from implementing needed changes.
The protection of cultural heritage is an ongoing struggle. It requires careful consideration of the value of individual works, the balance between private and public rights, and how best to maximize the benefits of the process. Values-based conservation approaches can be an effective approach for navigating these varying scales and interests, but must also consider how the values of disempowered communities are included in decisions about preservation. Ultimately, ensuring that the heritage of everyone is preserved is a moral imperative. For that to happen, the voices of all must be heard.