Lesson 1: Cultural Heritage: Main Concepts and Definitions

Tangible Heritage

material objects created by humans thatwe can see and touch.

These include: buildings, paintings,drawings, prints, mosaics, sculptures, photographs, documents, books, manuscripts, instruments, etc.

Ushguli, Upper Svaneti (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Georgia © Marco Fieber

Immovable Heritage

Immovable heritage consists historically valuable items that are connected by fixed foundations to the ground.

Movable Heritage

Movable heritage includes items that are not fixed to the ground and could be moved.

Intangible Heritage

Cultural Heritage also consists of immaterial elements: traditions, oral history, performing arts, social practices, traditional craftsmanship, representations, rituals, knowledge and skills transmitted from generation to generation within a community.

Falconry, form of intangible heritage in Spain © El Coleccionista de Instantes Fotografía & Video

According to UNESCO there are five types of Intangible Cultural Heritage, these include:

• Oral traditions and expressions.

• Performing arts.

• Social practices, rituals and festive events.

• Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe.

• Traditional craftsmanship.

Copper craftsmanship of Lahij, Azerbaijan