People Around the World Share Stories of Preserving Their Culture
One definition of preservation means to “keep alive.” The desire to honor and share what we find meaningful seems to be hard-wired into our DNA. Neolithic man created cave art, alphabets began emerging around 2000 B.C. in Egypt, and the Djembe talking drums of Africa have been transmitting messages since 500 A.D.
Today, Buddhists still chant centuries old-sutras, Scottish clans still convene for Highland games, many First Nation people hold potlatches on the occasion of major events, and coming-of-age celebrations are held the world over.
Globalization means we get to experience more of the cultural traditions that others hold dear–and, paradoxically, it also means that cultural heritage can become diluted. As well, unfortunately, we humans are not yet so evolved that war and oppression have become obsolete; when cultures have been compromised, preservation is urgent.
Read on to meet people who are engaged in the calling of cultural preservation in the realms of tangible culture (such as buildings, monuments, landscapes, books, works of art, and artifacts), intangible culture (such as folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge), and natural heritage (including culturally significant landscapes, and biodiversity).
We hope you enjoy exploring cultural heritage and preservation through our lens of anthropology and what it means to be human!
What is anthropology? The field has a wide range of disciplines. We present definitions from anthropologists around the world. If you are looking for the definition of culture, you have come to the right place! What is Culture? Culture is both universal and personal. The Dingle Peninsula has a rich culture and heritage, specifically Irish Ogham Stones. Meet Irish archaeologist Isabel Bennett to hear more. Cecile Duvelle explains how UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage initiative, and how the U.N. agency approaches fostering cultural appreciation. Inveraray Castle was the setting for the free-ranging conversation I had with the Chief of Clan Campbell about his ancestral home and Scottish heritage. In this interview, he shares his views…. In Cartagena beach of La Boquilla, ecotourism is preserving mangrove forests and the cultural heritage of its Afro Caribbean community. Creative placemaking regenerates communities through the integration of arts, culture, and design. Learn more in our interview NEA expert Jen Hughes. Our interview with the curator of the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport Maine reveals the enthralling life of maritime Maine historically and today. Sicily’s Good Friday tradition of Misteri di Trapani is one of Europe’s most ancient religious festivals, and honors Trapani’s heritage. The history of Croatia comes alive in this powerful interview that reveals the dramatic past of life in Konavle Valley in the Balkans. Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage of Valles Caldera in New Mexico. Uncover the wonders of this remarkable destination today! Are you a nature lover? Then you’ll find a kindred spirit in Bonnie Gisel, curator of the LeConte Memorial Lodge in Yosemite National Park. Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust, Trinidad is a Wildfowl Trust and an NGO dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and waterfowl. The Burren in Ireland has a unique ecology and cultural history that is explored in this interview with conservationist Brendan Dunford. Thingvellir National Park is a beautiful landscape with a history of storytelling. Meet archeologist Margret Hallmundsdottir to learn more! Find out about the heritage and ancient practices of remote Kihnu Island, Estonia, we talk with Maria Michelson about Kihnu Island’s cultural traditions. Meet Jacob Gelt Dekker of the Kura Hulanda Museum Curacao. A Dutch philanthropist, and behind the restoration of Curacao’s historic Otrobanda neighborhood. Tayrona National Park is home to the world’s “Elder Brothers,” the Kogi people. Their rituals and lifestyle are distinct to their culture. The history of Armenia is revealed in this poignant interview with Anahit Gharibyan, who became a member of the country’s diaspora at one year of age, and again in her sixties.
What is Anthropology? A Definition Of Anthropology From Experts Around The World.
What is Culture? The Definition of Culture from World Experts
Definitive Guide to Archaeology Sites of Dingle’s Slea Head Drive
Cultural Identity Through Cultural Preservation at Heart Of UNESCO’s Heritage
Clan Campbell Chief Shares Views on Stewardship and Legacy
Mangroves Are Explored and Protected with Sustainable Tourism By Eco Activist
What is Creative Placemaking? An Expert Explains
Penobscot Marine Museum Curator Brings Maine History to Life
Good Friday Tradition in Trapani Sicily Honors Faith and Heritage
Unique Hand Embroidery Traditions Tell Story of Croatia’s Konavle Valley
Valles Caldera, a National Preserve and Place of Intrigue
Q & A with Bonnie J Gisel, Curator of LeConte Memorial Lodge in Yosemite National Park
A Secret World of Transformation at Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust Trinidad
The Burren in Ireland Conserving A Unique Cultural Landscape
Thingvellir National Park, the Heart and Soul of Iceland
Maria Michelson on the Cultural Traditions of Kihnu Island, Estonia
Jacob Gelt Dekker on the Kura Hulanda Museum Curacao
Tayrona National Park in Colombia Home to Kogi People
The History of Armenia Brought to Life by Re-Foresting Pioneer