Concept of heritage in the Republic of Khakassia in the late 20th - early 21st centuries: analysis of institutional practices

The article discusses the development of the concept of cultural heritage in the Republic of Khakassia. The sources include the legislation of the Russian Federation and Republic of Khakassia regulating the patrimonial process, regional development programs, documents related to work of museums, andfield materials of the author. The theoretical framework of the study is defined methodological approach according to which the heritage should be viewed dynamically as a process during which decisions are being made to preserve an object, place, or cultural practice significant for a social group, and to transfer them to the descendants. Identity, including ethnic identity, emerges and is manifested in the course ofpatrimonial practices. This research analyzes activities of various institutions responsible for preservation, reproduction, and transfer of objects of tangible and intangible heritage. It has been established that the Republic of Khakassia is distinguished by a synthesis of different approaches to heritage. Preservation of monumental heritage, especially archaeological sites, is combined with attention to intangible forms of heritage. Intangible cultural heritage is considered a form of ethnic identity. Landscapes have been being reassessed in the light of cultural traditions and importance of sacred places in the lives of the indigenous Turkic-speaking population of the region. Interpretation of objects of cultural heritage has been expanding. Its register includes not only unique monuments, but also typical objects representing ethnic culture. The original form of reproduction of cultural heritage for the Republic of Khakassia is open-air museums and archaeological parks. Events of modern festive culture, demonstration of craftsmanship skills, including workshops by their carriers, presentation of the surviving folklore genres, and exposition of household items of the Khakass people of the 19th century happen on their territory. All these activities are inscribed in the landscape whose archaeological monuments are being interpreted, forming a cultural memory.