Intangible heritage
Intangible heritage consists of elements that may be transmitted from one person to another or from one group to another. These are:
- Know-how
- knowledge
- expressions
- practices
- representations.
Because it is transmitted by the bearers of traditions, from generation to generation, the intangible heritage is alive.
Examples of intangible heritage elements
- A traditional form of music, dance or play
- A ritual marking an important transition in the lives of individuals or groups
- A practice related to hunting, fishing or gathering
- A festive event in which a large number of members of the community participate (such as a festival that highlights the passage of the seasons)
- Knowledge of medicinal uses of certain local plants
- Artisanal manufacture of objects.
Community recognition
A community or group must recognize an element as part of its cultural heritage in order for it to be considered intangible heritage.
An expert group could therefore not determine, alone, whether a practice or know-how is an element of intangible heritage.
Adapted to their time
The elements of intangible heritage are adapted to their time and environment. As they are alive, they are not fixed, immutable or reproduced identically from one generation to the next.
Legal statutes for intangible heritage
The Cultural Heritage Act aims to promote knowledge, protection, development and transmission of cultural heritage in the public interest.
In particular, the Act provides for the granting of legal statutes to elements of intangible heritage. This gesture confirms the heritage value of these elements, in addition to raising public awareness of their importance for the cultural vitality of Central Africa.
Overview of cultural heritage
The cultural heritage, as defined in the Act, consists of intangible heritage, heritage cultural landscapes, deceased historical figures, historical sites and events, documents and property objects (furniture heritage) and finally property buildings and sites (real estate). Archaeological heritage also occupies an important place.
The panorama of the sector gives you a better understanding of each of the categories of heritage. It describes the advantages of granting them legal status.