Cultural competence reaches beyond built landmarks, artefacts, or historical areas. It consists of the breadth of traditions, approaches, practices, and soulful knowledge that is handed down in many cultures as the heart and soul of human diversity, the big picture of multiple creativity.

UNESCO’s intangible heritage list is an essential project to properly safeguard and encourage these living traditions included in nations throughout the earth.

What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?

Intangible cultural heritage is community practices, symbols, rituals, and skills seen as part of their cultural identity. It does oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals festivals and traditional craftsmanship.

UNESCO created that list so that these traditions could be defended against the threat (to some a positive one) of globalization, modernisation, and uniformity that culture has reached. This effort guarantees that the traditions remaining in communities can be passed down from the elders to the youth. 

The Purpose of the ICH List

The list serves to:

Promote Awareness: Highlight the importance of cultural heritage and its role in fostering identity and continuity.

Safeguard Practices: Protect endangered traditions from disappearing due to globalization or modernization.

Encourage Intercultural Dialogue: Strengthen understanding and respect among diverse communities worldwide.

Intangible Heritage Unfolds

As opposed to physical heritage, intangible heritage is not bound to places, but embedded in individuals and can therefore be shared across cultural boundaries and between places. Just as tangible heritage can be commercialised intangible heritage lends itself to generating economic value as well. The choice of international cuisine in British cities and the success story of curry dishes, in particular, is a prime example of how intangible cultural heritage from other regions can shape our own identity and generate economic benefits alike.

Other examples include traditional dances and festivals attracting tourists. Chinese New Year Celebrations and Oktoberfest are now celebrated around the world, effectively an ‘export’ offering enrichment and commercial opportunity.

However, the flexibility of intangible cultural heritage also leads to fragility. Tangible heritage can be preserved by a small group of people or organisations with the required skills set and funding. Intangible customs, however, depend on individuals voluntarily transferring skills and customs to the next generation, often in an informal community or family-based setting. But the relevance of practises exercised in the past in today’s world cannot be taken for granted. Thus, rather than protecting the current form of intangible heritage we need to allow for it to adapt to a new context to make it relevant for today’s societies. Intangible heritage is not fixed, it is fluid.

Top 10 Rarest Intangible Cultural Heritage under UNESCO

While some intangible cultural heritages are thriving despite the threat of globalization and modernization, many of them are at risk of fading away. Losing these cultural heritages will result in losing a bit of cultural identity and history in our human experience. So, we listed below some of the rarest intangible cultural heritages, where it is located, and a brief description of them:

Meshrep (China): A traditional Uyghur gathering involving music, dance, drama, and storytelling.

Nawrouz ( Afghanistan, Azerbaijan,  India,  Iran, Iraq, and other countries): Celebrated by many countries, Nawrouz marks the Persian New Year and the beginning of spring, but faces challenges due to modernization and cultural changes.

Cantu in paghjella (France, Corsica): A traditional Corsican male singing style that is threatened by the changing social environment and cultural practices.

Rituals and practices associated with Kit Mikayi Shrine (Kenya): Spiritual and cultural practices related to the Kit Mikayi Shrine, face threats from modernization and erosion of traditional beliefs.

Watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks (China): This ancient shipbuilding technique is at risk due to the decline in traditional shipbuilding skills.

Traditional Mexican cuisine (Mexico): An ancient culinary practice, particularly in Michoacán, facing threats from globalization and changes in agricultural practices.

Oxherding and oxcart traditions in Costa Rica (Costa Rica): Cultural practices associated with oxherding and oxcarts are diminishing due to modern transportation methods.

Hudhud chants of the Ifugao (Philippines): Epic chants of the Ifugao people who are at risk due to changing cultural practices and the diminishing number of practitioners.

Al-Sirah Al-Hilaliyyah Epic (Egypt): A traditional oral epic narrative that is facing a decline in practitioners and audiences.

Maroon heritage of Moore Town (Jamaica): The heritage of the Maroons of Moore Town, includes language, music, and customs, which are threatened by external cultural influences.

Examples of Entries on the List

• Yoga (India): Recognized for its ancient philosophical, physical, and spiritual practices.

• Argentine Tango (Argentina and Uruguay): A fusion of music, dance, and storytelling, reflecting the vibrant cultures of its creators.

• Traditional Japanese Washoku (Japan): A culinary tradition emphasizing harmony, seasonality, and social bonding.

• Falconry (Several Countries): A hunting practice showcasing human-nature synergy, passed down for centuries.

Challenges in Preservation

Modernization, urbanization, and globalization pose threats to many practices. Younger generations may lose interest, and economic factors can lead to the decline of traditional skills. Climate change, too, impacts rituals tied to natural cycles.

UNESCO’s Role in Safeguarding Heritage

UNESCO collaborates with governments, NGOs, and local communities to:

• Document and archive practices.
• Provide funding and training for community members.
• Promote education to foster pride in cultural identity.

How Can We Contribute?

Participate in Local Festivals: Engage actively in cultural events.

Support Artisans: Purchase and promote handcrafted items.

Learn and Share: Educate yourself and others about your cultural heritage.

Advocate: Encourage policymakers to prioritize safeguarding initiatives.

Conclusion

UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage is a testament to humanity’s creative spirit and diversity. By preserving these living traditions, we honour the past, enrich the present, and pave the way for a culturally vibrant future. Let us celebrate these treasures, recognising their profound impact on our shared human story.