INTANGIBLE AND TANGIBLE CULTURE
A Report Paper
Presented to the Faculty of
Elementary Education Department
Aklan State University – College of Hospitality and Rural Resource Management
Ibajay, Aklan
In Partial Fulfillment of the Course
SSC2- Teaching Social Studies in the Intermediate Grades (Culture and Basic
Geography)
Submitted by:
Judelyn S.
Jordan II-D
Submitted to:
Nino Miko L. Delfin, MAEd
Instructor
August 2025
I. Objectives
At the end of this lesson, student should be able to:
1. Define intangible and tangible culture.
2. Understand the meaning and characteristics of both intangible and
tangible culture.
3. Analyze the importance of preserving intangible and tangible culture in
society.
II. Introduction
Culture is the soul of a community. It shapes identity, binds people through
shared practices, and preserves the collective memory of a society. Culture is
generally categorized into intangible and tangible forms—each playing a critical role
in shaping and preserving national and ethnic identities.
Intangible culture, or intangible cultural heritage (ICH), refers to non-physical
aspects of culture such as oral traditions, social practices, rituals, festive events,
knowledge systems, and skills passed down from one generation to another. These
elements are living expressions of community identity and values. They continuously
evolve, reinforcing cultural diversity and mutual understanding among people.
On the other hand, tangible culture refers to the physical manifestations of a
culture—objects and structures that can be seen, touched, and preserved. This
includes buildings, monuments, artworks, historical artifacts, and other material
creations that carry cultural and historical significance.
Together, these two forms of culture create a holistic representation of the
identity and legacy of a people, enabling future generations to understand and
appreciate their heritage.
III. Definition of Terms
Intangible - Refers to elements that cannot be touched or seen physically. These
include ideas, beliefs, customs, and practices passed down through oral tradition
or shared knowledge.
Tangible - Refers to physical, material aspects that can be touched or seen, such as
objects, artworks, buildings, and monuments.
Culture - The identity of a group of people, encompassing shared beliefs, values,
traditions, language, practices, and history that are passed from one generation to
another.
IV. Intangible and Tangible Culture
1. Intangible Culture
Intangible cultural heritage includes living traditions and expressions
inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants. These practices
foster a sense of identity and continuity within communities. In the Philippines,
several examples of intangible heritage are recognized both nationally and
internationally:
Hudhud Chants of the Ifugao – Epic narratives chanted during harvest
and funerals.
Darangen Epic of the Maranao – A pre-Islamic epic poem and one of the
oldest Philippine epics.
Tugging Rituals and Games – Traditional games that include
community participation and social bonding.
Buklog Ritual System (Subanen) – A thanksgiving ritual that combines
music, dance, and offerings.
Piña Handloom Weaving (Aklan) – Traditional craftsmanship that
produces delicate fabrics used for cultural garments.
Moriones Festival and Christmas Lantern Festival – These events
illustrate the blend of indigenous traditions with Catholic practices.
Kulintang Music, Tinikling Dance, and other folk performances –
Artistic expressions deeply rooted in regional identities.
These traditions represent the soul of Filipino communities, echoing the
wisdom and creativity of ancestors while adjusting to the present day.
2. Tangible Culture
Tangible cultural heritage includes monuments, buildings, artworks, and
objects that physically manifest a community’s cultural history. These are often
maintained in museums, preserved in historical sites, or integrated into everyday
life.
Examples in the Philippines include:
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras – Engineered by the Ifugao
over 2,000 years ago, these terraces demonstrate sustainable farming
and engineering techniques.
Vigan City – A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing preserved
Spanish colonial architecture.
Baroque Churches of the Philippines – These religious structures
highlight Spanish influence in Filipino architecture and faith.
Spoliarium Painting by Juan Luna – A masterwork reflecting the Filipino
struggle during the colonial era.
Manunggul Jar – A burial artifact from Palawan depicting beliefs in the
afterlife.
Rizal Monument – A national symbol of freedom and patriotism.
Traditional clothing like the Barong Tagalog and culinary heritage
like adobo and sinigang further reflect tangible aspects of Filipino
culture.
These cultural assets serve as physical reminders of a nation’s history,
struggles,
creativity, and triumphs.
V. Highlights
Intangible culture preserves living traditions and strengthens communal
identity.
Tangible culture connects us to the past through physical heritage and visual
history.
Festivals often fuse indigenous and religious traditions, reflecting the
dynamic nature of Filipino culture.
Cultural heritage fosters sustainability, education, and tourism while
promoting national pride.
Intangible and tangible cultures are interconnected, with one often
supporting the existence and appreciation of the other.
VI. Reflection
Reflecting on intangible and tangible culture has deepened my appreciation
of the Filipino identity. I have come to understand that culture is not just about what
we see but also what we feel, hear, and live through shared practices. Intangible
culture expresses emotion and history
through language, music, and rituals, while tangible culture grounds these traditions
in visible and physical forms. Both forms are essential in preserving our national
story. In today's modern world, where technology often dominates our attention, we
must be intentional about preserving these cultural forms. It is our responsibility to
value both tangible and intangible cultural heritage—not just as historical artifacts,
but as living, evolving elements of our identity.
VII. Questions and Answers
1. What is Intangible Culture?
Intangible culture refers to non-physical elements such as ideas, beliefs,
customs, traditions, and oral practices that are passed through generations.
2. What is Tangible Culture?
Tangible culture includes physical objects and places like buildings, monuments,
artifacts, and artworks that represent a community’s history and practices.
3. What is Culture?
Culture is a symbol of identity. It represents the beliefs, traditions, customs,
and values of a group or community.
4. What is the different between intangible and tangible culture?
Intangible culture involves practices, expressions, and knowledge that are
not physical, while tangible culture refers to visible and touchable objects that
reflect historical and cultural significance.
5. Why intangible culture is at risk in this generation?
Intangible culture is at risk because younger generations are more influenced
by modern technology and often lack interest in traditional practices. Without
continued practice and transmission, these cultural elements may fade or be
forgotten.
References
https://ich.unesco.org˃tangible-and-intangible.heritage
https://heritage fund.org.uk/funding/good/practice-guidance intangible culture
http://ncca.gov.ph/about-cultureandart/in-focus/traditionalgames-in-
thephillipines
