What is cultural heritage

January 24, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: General 

Many in society are unaware that they are custodians of cultural heritage. This fact has been recognized in the aftermath of some of the devastating fires which have occurred around the country in recent years. In visiting affected fire ravished areas cultural heritage preservation specialists were surprised at the lack of knowledge of heritage items by residents. Many of the questions asked of these specialists alerted them to the fact that one of the first tasks in tackling cultural heritage preservation was the need to make communities aware of what heritage they had in their possession. Only once individuals become aware of these items can preservation be explained. The following explanation is aimed at achieving this objective.

Cultural heritage includes:

  • Human created artworks and artefacts
  • Artworks or artefacts which have a personal emotional significance
  • Inherited and retained artworks and artefacts
  • Artworks and artefacts which have social, spiritual or historical significance.
  • Artworks and artefacts which give meaning to one’s existence.

Artworks and artefacts include:

  • Works of art on paper
  • Paintings on fabrics (eg canvas), on board or any other flat substrate
  • Sculptures and hand moulded artistic objects
  • Photographs
  • Needlework and textiles
  • Personal letters and documents
  • Official documents and certificates
  • Tools, household utensils and objects
  • Sportswear and memorabilia

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