Writing an “Intangible” Text: Between Politics, Science and Bearers
Writing an “Intangible” Text: Between Politics, Science and Bearers

Summary/Abstract: In this paper I will explain some of the processes behind the making of the lists of the so called “intangible cultural heritage” (ICH), both on the national (the Registry of Cultural Goods of the Republic of Croatia) and the international level (UNESCO’s ICH lists). The analysis is based on the situations that led to the inscriptions into which I have some insight as an insider, as well as on the texts about ICH elements written for the needs of inscription in which some of the issues of ICH policy are reflected. Touching upon some of the issues that I had to face as an ethnologist/cultural anthropologist working on the inscription of ICH elements into the Registry and nominations for inscriptions on the UNESCO’s lists, I will try to explain the complexity of the position of an expert in a state body trying to reconcile the demands of politics, science and the “bearers” of the listed heritage.

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