Exploring the Diverse Range of 2016 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage is a vital part of the world’s cultural heritage, reflecting the diversity of our collective human experience. It includes traditions, knowledge, customs, and practices that are passed down from one generation to another, while constantly evolving to adapt to changing times. In 2016, UNESCO added 17 cultural practices to this list, thus expanding its scope to encompass more countries. This article explores the diverse range of 2016 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting some of the practices that made it to the list.

“Roots of Kazakh Music: Its Preservation and Development” is one of the cultural practices added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. The practice dates back to the 16th century, and it involves the creation and performance of various musical works that reflect the Kazakh culture. The practice is passed down from generation to generation through various methods such as oral transmission, apprenticeship, and formal education. The practice has played a significant role in educating and informing Kazakh people about their culture, thus preserving it for future generations.

The practice of “Traditional Mexican cuisine – ancestral, ongoing community culture, the Michoacán paradigm” is another cultural practice that was added to the 2016 list. The practice is deeply rooted in the customs, rituals, and social relations of the Mexican people. It is passed down from elders to younger generations through oral transmission and hands-on learning and involves the preparation of various dishes using various traditional cooking techniques and ingredients. The practice promotes community cohesion, respect for nature and the environment, and supports the local economy.

Another noteworthy practice that was included in the list is the “Art of dry stone walling, knowledge and techniques.” This practice involves the construction of walls, structures, and buildings made entirely of stones without using any mortar. It has been practiced for centuries in various parts of the world such as Ireland, Italy, Greece, and Croatia. The practice has been the major means of construction in such regions, and it has evolved over the centuries to incorporate various techniques and styles unique to the region. The practice provides an excellent example of how human ingenuity and resourcefulness have been used to create sustainable human environments.

The “Kokborok and Kokborok-speaking communities: living heritage in Tripura, India” is another cultural practice that made the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016. Kokborok is an indigenous language spoken in the northeastern state of Tripura, India. The practice involves the preservation and promotion of the Kokborok language, culture, and traditions, such as dance, music, and storytelling, among others. The project has helped to raise awareness about the preservation of indigenous languages, which are often under threat from globalization, modernization, and urbanization.

In conclusion, the 2016 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list included various cultural practices from different parts of the world. These practices reflect the diversity of the human experience and highlight the need to preserve and promote cultural heritage. The practices range from culinary to constructions, languages, and traditions, reflecting the distinctiveness of different communities. The inclusion of these practices in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list helps to raise awareness of the importance of cultural heritage preservation, promote intercultural dialogue, and safeguard cultural traditions for future generations.