1- Art University of Isfahan , parastooramezani84@yahoo.com
2- Art University of Isfahan
2- Art University of Isfahan
Abstract: (36 Views)
Abstract
Despite the emphasis of international heritage conservation frameworks on the inseparable relationship between cultural heritage and its tangible and intangible dimensions, dominant conservation practices remain largely material-oriented and technocratic, confining the role of the conservator to the stabilization of physical fabric. Such approaches result in the marginalization of embedded knowledge, operational practices, cultural meanings, and social mechanisms that constitute the core of intangible cultural heritage. In this context, the present study aims to redefine the position of the conservator and to address the theoretical–practical gap between tangible and intangible heritage conservation. The research is guided by the question of which approaches and processes enable the ultimate responsibility of conservation practice to contribute to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, and what role the conservator occupies within this process. This study adopts a qualitative research design, employing Grounded Theory as its primary methodology, complemented by discourse analysis to deepen interpretive insights. Data were collected through documentary research, semi-structured interviews with experts in conservation, philosophy of art, anthropology, and archaeology, as well as field observations. The findings led to the development of a theoretical framework structured around two core axes: the inherent entanglement of tangible and intangible heritage and the mediating and interpretive role of the conservator. This framework reconceptualizes conservation as a multidimensional and participatory process in which authenticity is sought not solely in material coherence, but in the continuity of the social and identity-based meanings of heritage, thereby fostering sustainable conservation.
Despite the emphasis of international heritage conservation frameworks on the inseparable relationship between cultural heritage and its tangible and intangible dimensions, dominant conservation practices remain largely material-oriented and technocratic, confining the role of the conservator to the stabilization of physical fabric. Such approaches result in the marginalization of embedded knowledge, operational practices, cultural meanings, and social mechanisms that constitute the core of intangible cultural heritage. In this context, the present study aims to redefine the position of the conservator and to address the theoretical–practical gap between tangible and intangible heritage conservation. The research is guided by the question of which approaches and processes enable the ultimate responsibility of conservation practice to contribute to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, and what role the conservator occupies within this process. This study adopts a qualitative research design, employing Grounded Theory as its primary methodology, complemented by discourse analysis to deepen interpretive insights. Data were collected through documentary research, semi-structured interviews with experts in conservation, philosophy of art, anthropology, and archaeology, as well as field observations. The findings led to the development of a theoretical framework structured around two core axes: the inherent entanglement of tangible and intangible heritage and the mediating and interpretive role of the conservator. This framework reconceptualizes conservation as a multidimensional and participatory process in which authenticity is sought not solely in material coherence, but in the continuity of the social and identity-based meanings of heritage, thereby fostering sustainable conservation.
Article number: 193
Keywords: Cultural heritage, Tangible heritage, Intangible heritage, Conservation, Heritage preservation.
Type of Study: Research original/ Regular Article |
Subject:
Maremat
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