Genesis of criteria and principles for safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage by analyzing international documents

Abstract

The paper analyzes the steps anticipating the adoption and international approval of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. It deals, particularly, with a wide body of expert discussion reports and studies laying the base for adopted political documents and legislative acts, summarizing resolutions and proposals, which we had to consider. Retrospective and analytical review presented in the paper allows not only to recognize and appreciate the long-term way anticipating the development of the final draft of the UNESCO Convention, but also to examine most of conceptions, terms and principles applied in 2003 Convention which are further improving under challenges of time and international community. Analyzing the genesis of criteria and principles, that is, the essence of today concept on safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage underlying the 2003 Convention, the author stresses upon such important its integral parts as comprehensive and interdisciplinary studies, broad field for dialogue directed at reaching consensus, definition of the role of communities and individual bearers of the intangible cultural heritage.