Intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Tyva: conservation and popularization practices

This study analyzes the practices of preserving and reproducing features of the intangible cultural heritage of Tuvinians. Based on the analyses of laws, programs, documents representing the activities of republican governing bodies, cultural institutions, and public organizations, the techniques of conservation and dissemination of intangible cultural heritage are presented. It has been shown that a guarantee of the sustainable development of the local community should be based on the up-to-date development of creative processes in the traditional culture, the protection of the transfer of knowledge and skills, the adoption of laws for the protection, restoration and popularization of knowledge and skills in the field of intangible heritage, and recognition ofpractices under threat of destruction. The modern festivals (the Republican Festival “MongunKerzhek” / Silver Adze), which demonstrate both traditional practices and skills, and the current state of development of intangible heritage, are the techniques of dissemination ofthe intangible cultural heritage of Tuvinians. This confirms the thesis about the dynamic nature of heritage. The preservation of traditional culture practices correlates with Russian and international standards. It can be stated that the inheritance model popular in East Asia is implemented in Tuva. The focus of such patrimonial regimes is primarily on the preservation of skills and knowledge, individuals as bearers of technology, rather than on the material objects and unique architectural constructions. The continuous improvement of the skills and abilities of heritage bearers, and sharing the knowledge with the subsequent generations are among the most effective ways to disseminate the information about intangible values in Tuva. It is shown that UNESCO normative documents have influenced the forms of lists of intangible cultural heritage. Despite the declaration of intentions to follow the norms of international and Russian law in the field of promoting cultural diversity in the republican documents, all protective laws, programs, lists are devoted to the protection of intangible values of the titular ethnic group.