Intangible Heritage

You’ve probably heard about the Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity created by UNESCO in 1997. The list of these masterpieces comprises less than a hundred cultural aspects, which is not a lot when you think there are 6912 known living language in the world (according to the ethnologue.com) and that each of them represents the voice of a particular culture.

Of course, all facets of the intangible heritable cannot be classifiable as “masterpieces”. However, there might be a place for them in museums which leads to these inquiries :

In what measure is there a place for Intangible Heritage in museums? This heritage is made up of many and varied complex forms of living manifestations in constant evolution including oral traditions, performing arts, music, festive events, rituals, social practices and knowledge and practices concerning nature.

Is there something wrong with bringing a live band/dancers/artisans in a museum exhibition? A priori, no. And a small stage could even be designed as integral part of the exhibition.

What if the cultural practice is considered “sensible” by its performer? Wouldn’t it be a step back to 19th century British World Fairs where ethnic families were exposed like objects?

Is the museum institution the right place to host such cultural aspects? Is its purpose to be a living window to the world? Or should the museum rather concentrate on preserving intangible cultural aspects for future generations? (for instance through digital means). Then shouldn’t it be libraries mandate to take care of this universal digital archive?