Museums and Safeguarding ICH

 Link from external source relevant to my potential research

Blake, J. (2018). Museums and Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage – Facilitating Participation and Strengthening their Function in Society. International Journal of Intangible Heritage. Vol.13. 17-32.

https://www.ijih.org/volumes/article/701


     African Heritage Exhibit, National Museum, Port of Spain (Photo: Gerard Besson)

This article highlights the paradigm shift from an emphasis on global to local heritage. Very importantly, it examines this shift as moving the focus from valuing monuments, sites, artefacts and other objects, to safeguarding ICH, also known as living heritage that is primarily located in the skills, knowledge and know-how of contemporary human beings and the role museums can play in safeguarding ICH. 

The article points out that the shift has been particularly notable following UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which moved the focus from preserving objects to safeguarding living traditions and knowledge. It reveals that UNESCO’s 2015 Recommendation on Museums highlights the crucial role museums play in preserving both tangible and intangible heritage, supporting social cohesion and sustainable development. It further discloses that recent international policies advocate for the use of heritage as a community resource and emphasize democratizing heritage protection through community involvement. The article explores these evolving approaches and how museums contribute to protecting intangible cultural heritage.

The article is therefore very interesting as it not only provides valuable insights but has helped me to think about how my potential research can examine the role, if any, of museums in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly the National Museum, in safeguarding ICH in this country and thereby assisting in answering my potential research question/s. This is also of interest to me as a museum professional.


    The National Museum of Trinidad and Tobago


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