Intangible heritage
From dry stone construction to songs
I hadn’t come across the term “intangible heritage” until recently.
Now that I have, I am endlessly inspired by its possibilities. Together with questions, of course, about the evolution of heritage, and about the process by which it is defined and recognized.
UNESCO has developed an inventory of examples. They fall into multiple domains, from “oral traditions” (which encompass legends, epic songs, nursery rhymes, chants, prayers and more) to “knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe”.
Examples are recommended then reviewed before being added to the inventory. One of last year’s additions was the knowledge and techniques for dry stone construction. It is introduced like this:
“The art of dry stone construction refers to the practice of building with stone without using binding material…
…it requires an innate understanding of geometry and physics, as well as skills to handle the raw materials used. Dry stone construction is achieved through the careful selection and arrangement of stones to ensure the long-term stability of the structure and its adaptation to the local terrain and climate.
Structures include houses, bridges, piers, arches, tombs, sheds, paths, vaulted cellars, beehive huts, religious structures and fortifications. An inherently social practice, dry stone construction promotes social cohesion through collaboration and the transmission of the related techniques and knowledge to future generations…”
Other examples include the “Palestinian Hikaye”, and the “Vimbuza healing dance”.
The diverse forms of intangible heritage form a welcome counterpoint to “knowledge at fingertips” claims of AI, a reminder of humans’ multiple and mysterious ways of knowing each other and the world.