When you hear the word “cultural heritage,” your mind probably immediately evokes artifacts like paintings and sculptures, historical monuments and buildings or archaeological sites. However, cultural heritage is much more than just these physical items. It also encompasses intangible aspects of a culture like folklore, traditions and languages. In addition, it can include things that aren’t tangible such as books and manuscripts, musical instruments or a particular type of landscape.
As the concept of cultural heritage has evolved, so too has our understanding of what it includes. The concept was born out of the recognition that different values were attached to the preservation of historic places, works of art, monuments, buildings, landscapes and other objects. This prompted the development of the notion that these objects and places have an outstanding universal value and belong to all people. This led to the creation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which currently comprises 936 cultural and natural heritage properties in 153 countries.
In the context of heritage, the term “community” refers to a group of individuals that share a common interest in heritage and the sense of identity that it gives them. The community can be international or regional and, in the latter case, often encompasses the nation, state or province where a heritage item is located. This definition of the term can be problematic, as the interests of the community may not align with those of the individuals who are the stewards of that heritage.
There are many issues that face the protection of cultural heritage, including the threat of looting and deliberate destruction by people influenced by a variety of ideologies, religious or political movements. The issue of heritage and cultural property is an ongoing concern for governments and societies throughout the world, and a body of international legal texts and treaties has been developed by UNESCO and other intergovernmental organizations to address the protection of cultural artefacts.
While there are many threats to cultural heritage, some of the most pressing concerns include climate change, unsustainable tourism and massification of heritage, and the deterioration of cultural sites due to poor environmental conditions. Another threat is the exploitation of heritage by individuals and companies that profit from its sale or commercialization.
In the past, many cultural heritage items were acquired for commercial purposes and sometimes did not have the benefit of a community’s ownership. For example, the Skinner Auction House was forced to withdraw a beaded and quilled hide shirt that was believed to have once been owned by a Lakota leader named Little Thunder from an auction because it raised suspicions of illegal acquisition. Ultimately, heritage should be managed by communities for the benefit of those who are part of it and not for private financial gain. This approach can be challenging, but it provides the best opportunity for preserving the authenticity and integrity of cultural heritage. In addition, it can help to build stronger connections between the public and heritage.