Introduction:
Intangible cultural heritage is much more than just a set of traditions. It is
the soul of a community, a legacy passed down from generation to generation that
shapes identities and strengthens the social bond. Unlike monuments or artistic
works frozen in time, this heritage is alive, constantly reinterpreted by those who
perpetuate it.In a world where globalization tends to standardize cultures, the
preservation of this heritage becomes crucial. It makes it possible to maintain
essential cultural diversity, by protecting the know-how, rituals and practices
that define a society. Every gesture, every word, every traditional holiday conveys
a knowledge that carries the history, memory and values of the peoples.
UNESCO has recognized its importance and has established frameworks for its
safeguarding to ensure that these
immaterial riches do not disappear in the face of modern developments. Therefore,
intangible heritage should not be considered as a vestige of the past, but as a
living and dynamic resource, capable of adapting to new realities while maintaining
its authenticity
I_The different forms of intangible cultural heritage
Intangible cultural heritage is a living expression of societies, evolving over
time while preserving its essence. UNESCO has identified five main categories that
reflect the diversity of traditions and knowledge transmitted
1. Oral traditions and expressions
This category includes tales, legends, proverbs, songs and ritual speeches. These
forms of expression are often transmitted by griots, storytellers and elders,
playing an essential role in the preservation of historical memory and moral
values. Each society has its great founding stories, often transmitted in the form
of epics or myths. They are used to structure history, morality and collective
identity. For example: The epic of Soundiata Keita, told by the Mandingo griots, is
a central element of the history of the empire of Mali. Traditions and oral
expression also have proverbs that impact collective thought indeed Proverbs are
capsules of wisdom, often used to educate or influence social behavior.Example: A
Wolof proverb says"Duma yàq say tooñ", which means "I don't waste my resentment",
highlighting the management of emotions and wisdom in conflicts
2_Performing arts
Dances, music, theater and artistic performances are strong cultural expressions.
They allow communities to celebrate their identity and share collective emotions
through gestures, rhythms and codified staging. We have several shows among which
we note
_ Initiatory dances and their Societal role • Some dances are not merely artistic,
the y are initiational and mark important stages in life.Example: The Ndawrabine, a
Wolof dance related to adulthood ceremonies
_ Traditional theater: a Educational tool
• Theater, in some cultures, is a way to transmit morality and history, often
accompanied by music and narration.
Example: Popular theater in West Africa, where directors tell stories of daily life
to raise awareness on topics such as justice or solidarity
3. Social practices and festive events
Community rites, celebrations and ceremonies strengthen social ties and perpetuate
the values of a group. These events often mark important life transitions and play
a key role in cultural transmission.Example: The Grand Magal de Touba, a Senegalese
religious celebration honoring Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba. There are also traditional
festivals that.Is not just an entertainment, but a strong cultural anchorage, often
linked to the cycles of nature or religious beliefs.Example: The Ngondo, a festival
Cameroonian where the Sawa peoples pay tribute to their ancestors through aquatic
ceremonies and funeral ceremonies that are often accompanied by songs, dances and
stories, strengthening the link with the ancestors.Example: Among the Dogons of
Mali, funerals are complex ritual events, celebrating the passage of the deceased
to the au of the
4. Knowledge and practices related to nature and the universe:
This type of intangible heritage demonstrates the symbiosis between man and his
environment, as well as the importance of traditional knowledge. Knowledge related
to agriculture, traditional medicine, cosmological beliefs and survival techniques
have been passed down for generations. They demonstrate the close relationship
between man and his natural environment.Example:Traditional medicines and their
transmission: Healers use their knowledge to treat and interpret diseases, often
related to cosmological beliefs. Example: The use of shea in West Africa, not only
as a body care but also as a ritual element.
* Cosmogonies and their influence on societies: Traditional worldviews influence
philosophy, social organization and religious practices. Example: The Peule
cosmogony considers that the stars and natural elements influence human destiny
II _The threats to intangible cultural heritage
Despite its importance, intangible cultural heritage is weakened by several social,
economic and environmental factors that accelerate its disappearance.
1_Globalization and cultural standardization
One of the main dangers is the trend towards the standardization of cultural
practices.
- Influence of dominant cultures**: The hegemony of Western cultures (music,
fashion, media) leads to a marginalization of local traditions.
- Digitization and loss of direct contact: The new generations consume standardized
content, abandoning traditional transmission methods.Example: The use of local
languages decreases in favor of global languages such as English or French,
threatening unique dialects and oral expressions.
2_ Modernization and abandonment of know-how**
Many artisanal and traditional trades are disappearing because they are replaced by
industrial alternatives.
- Mass production: Handicrafts are often considered less profitable than
manufactured products.
- Decreased profitability: The younger generations prefer more lucrative jobs,
resulting in a loss of ancestral skills.
Example: Traditional weaving is in retreat from factory-produced textiles,
endangering old techniques.
3_Decline in intergenerational transmission
If the younger generations no longer receive the teachings of the elders, the
intangible heritage is erased.
- Erosion of traditional education**: Young people are no longer interested in oral
stories, proverbs and initiatory songs.
- Disengagement of young people**: The evolution of lifestyles limits their
interaction with local cultural practices.
III_ Solutions to preserve intangible cultural heritage
Faced with these threats, concrete initiatives are necessary to protect and enhance
intangible practices.
1_Valorization and official recognition
- Inscription as a World Heritage Site: UNESCO classifies certain traditions to
protect and promote them.
- Protection laws and policies**: Encourage regulations to preserve local
practices.Example: Argentine Tango and French cuisine have been recognized as
intangible heritage by UNESCO.
2_Education and intergenerational transmission
- Integration into school curricula**: Teaching local languages and traditions to
children.
- Encourage young people to appropriate their heritage: Organize festivals and
cultural events.
Example: In Senegal, schools integrate the learning of Wolof and African historical
narratives.
3_Digitization and documentation**
- Archiving of ancestral knowledge**: Record songs, dances and stories before they
disappear.
- Dedicated digital platforms: Create online spaces where traditions can be
preserved.Example: Initiatives such as the African digital library archive
traditional tales and music.
Conclusion: A legacy to be passed on
Safeguarding intangible heritage is a collective responsibility, involving
individuals, communities and institutions. Preserving these knowledges, traditions
and practices is to ensure that future generations will be able to rely on their
history, culture and identity to build their future
