Intangible Cultural Heritage

Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts

According to the 2003 UNESCO Convention, “Intangible Cultural Heritage” refers to the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills (including the instruments, objects, artifacts, and cultural spaces associated therewith) that communities, groups, and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.

Intangible cultural heritage is transmitted from generation to generation and is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature, and their history, providing them with a sense of identity and continuity.Thus, intangible cultural heritage helps promote respect for cultural diversity and human creativity.

Intangible Cultural Heritage
can manifest in any of the following 5 forms:

Oral Traditions and Expressions

Refers to traditions maintained and transferred from one generation to another through spoken language, songs, and performances. This includes proverbs, riddles, tales, lullabies, legends, myths, poems and epic songs, love chants, prayers, Smot (melodic chanting), songs, and theatrical performances.

Performing Arts

Ranges from vocal and instrumental music, dance, and theater to comedy and poetic chanting, both within and outside religious, work, and recreational contexts. Performing Arts play a role in cultural exchange and enhancing the national artistic profile to serve entertainment and attract tourists.

Social Practices, Rituals, and Festive Events

These are areas of practiced beliefs that influence the daily lives of people and confirm the identity of a group or society of practitioners, such as New Year celebrations, rice-related festivals, and other rituals related to local supernatural beliefs.

Traditional Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

Includes the knowledge, skills, ingenuity, practices, and works of a community linked to the natural environment and their concepts or perceptions of the universe. This is expressed through language, oral traditions, beliefs, or spirits associated with specific places, souls, and social perspectives.

Traditional Craftsmanship

Refers to the tradition of producing tools and utensils, such as the weaving of Hol, Phamoung, Krama, jewelry, or other handmade equipment for clothing, fishing, means of transportation, or recreational materials.