Sometimes we hear about terms such as historical and artistic heritage, cultural or cultural heritage, and many are wondering whether there is really a difference between them or are it only different ways to refer to the same. The reality is that although they are often used as synonyms, each of these concepts has developed over time and has the nuances that differentiate them, although they all relate to something equally valuable: our cultural heritage. Then we break the main differences and how these definitions were changed over time to better understand how they are used in the current context.
Historical and artistic heritage: origin and restriction
Term Historical and artistic legacy This is the oldest of three and, as such, has a more limited approach. This concept was born in the context in which, in order to consider good as part of the heritage, it should have corresponded to two main conditions: to be part of the story and have an artistic function or quality.
From a historical point of view, the Royal Academy defines the “historical” as “belonging to history” or “worthy of the appearance in history for the transcendence attributed to it”. However, this criterion was too limited, because not all the cultural manifestations that we consider today have the same historical significance. There will be a clear example Asturian grainWhich, perhaps, did not have a great historical significance, but this is a cultural good, which is of great value, is part of a popular tradition.
On the other hand, the adjective art This excludes many expressions from human culture, such as folklore or utilitarian objects that were not created for aesthetic purposes, but also have cultural value. Although each work of art is a cultural good, not everything that is necessarily artistic. This makes the term historical artistic heritage, gradually replaced by more inclusive expressions.
Cultural heritage: a wider and more diverse term
Term Cultural heritage It significantly expands the concept of historical and artistic heritage, replacing the “historical” and “artistic” adjectives with the term “cultural”, much wider and less limited. CultureAccording to the Royal Academy, this is “a set of samples of life and customs, knowledge and artistic, scientific, industrial, time, social group, etc.”, which implies that cultural heritage not only covers tangible elements, such as monuments and works of art, but also intangible manifestos, such as traditions, customs, languages and knowledge.
He Cultural heritage It covers not only great works of art, but also Rituals and popular traditions, Gastronomy, craft And even the customs and beliefs of the peoples. Thanks to this concept, all the elements that have formed and continue to be part of the community identity are integrated. Thus, a much more inclusive approach was achieved, which recognizes the life forms of peoples and values separated by societies over time.
Cultural interest: abstract and extensive term
Finally, the term Cultural interest is good This applies to all elements that are part of our cultural heritage, both material and intangible. Although this is a later term, especially used by UNESCO from the 1954 Hague Convention, Cultural good This has become the most common and adequate expression for determining those elements that should be protected and preserved in the future.
He Cultural interest is good Includes, for example, handmade methods Traditional, Oral manifestations, Religious practices, Rituals And even Cultural landscapesIn fact, it is used to cover from large monuments and museums to intangible expressions, such as music, cinema or dance. This wide definition also allows daily activities, for example Traditional gastronomy or Popular gamesAs part of the cultural heritage of society.
Evolution regarding global conservation
An interesting thing about this process is how an understanding of a cultural heritage has developed over time. Since societies have advanced, and the vision of the heritage is diversified, it became clear that the legacy is not limited only to visible or tangible, but covers all aspects that form culture and which are transmitted from generation to generation.
Why is the difference in terms?
Although today are the terms Historical and artistic legacyIN Cultural heritage And Cultural good They are used with some flexibility and may seem synonymous, it is interesting to observe how the evolution of these concepts reflects the changes in how we understand culture and identity.
So far, the term Cultural heritage He received a predominance, we cannot forget about the importance of each of these approaches, since everyone helps us understand the various aspects of our collective inheritance, both material and intangible.
