China protects intangible heritage

------By CCTV Reporter He Yuan

cctv.com 07-16-2004 09:18

China is one of the world's richest sources of intangible culture. Two ancient art forms, Kunqu Opera and Guqin music, have been proclaimed by UNESCO as masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Now culture fever has hit China, with cultural storehouses being turned upside down in the quest for new listings. But experts caution, the point of applying for world heritage listing is not an end in itself, but only a means of preserving the country's cultural heritage.

Kunqu Opera features literary lines and graceful dances. It is often considered a symbol of China's elite culture. But pushed aside by more popular art forms, it was near extinction when it gained world heritage listing in 2001. The unexpected glory brought the ancient theatrical art back to center stage. It also motivated the country to re-evaluate the heritage of its 5,000-year history.

Late last year, the second proclamation by UNESCO included Guqin music. The ancient musical form has won over many youngsters, but professional players are few and far between. Guqin fans hope international recognition can help promote the high-brow art form.

However, different opinions are now emerging about what should or should not be preserved.

The Intangible Heritage Research Center at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, or CAFA, has submitted paper-cutting as a future candidate for UNESCO listing. The center's director, Qiao Xiaoguang, says the ancient folk art is declining as veteran paper-cutters pass away. And few of the younger generation can compete with machine-cut works. Qiao Xiaoguang believes society would be well served by promoting the folk arts that are still alive among ordinary people.

Director of Intangible Heritage Research Center, CAFA Qiao Xiaoguang said, "By applying for the UNESCO listing, we want to draw attention to such folk art forms as paper-cutting, which is still popular among the Chinese and symbolizes Chinese folk customs. This will help preserve the cultural diversity of our country."

The chance of UNESCO listing has triggered a wave of applications from around China. As the third round of selections draws near, local governments are busy presenting their own treasures to the Ministry of Culture and vying for inclusion on China's shortlist.

But, experts caution that the point of listing should not be fame or money, but to gain international support for better protection of China's cultural heritage.

Vice-Chairman of Chinese Folk Literature and Art Society Dr. Bai Gengsheng said, "We must make one thing clear, that is, application for the UNESCO listing is only one of the many means of cultural preservation. To protect ten items of intangible heritage well is better than getting 100 million items on the list."

May the 18th was the 3rd anniversary of the inclusion of Kunqu Opera on the UNESCO intangible heritage listing. To celebrate, the North Kunqu Opera Theater staged Peony Pavilion, the most famous Kunqu piece. To their delight, they saw a packed house.

Hopefully, this is a sign that the ancient art form has returned to center stage. Hopefully, it also means China's cultural heritage can remain alive and well in the community, and not become merely an exhibit in a museum.

Editor:Zhang  Source:CCTV.com