Intangible culture - Definition

Intangible culture is the opposite of Tangible Culture. Tangible culture includes the things you can put your hands on, such as a castle, a statue or a painting. Intangible culture is song, music, drama, skills... the parts of culture that can be recorded but cannot be touched and interacted with without a vehicle for the culture. These cultural vehicles are called "Human Treasures" by the UN.

Several countries in addition to UNESCO are making efforts to protect intangible culture. Most notable are Japan (instituted a law in 1950 protecting intangible culture) and the Republic of Korea (1962).

In 2003 UNESCO adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. This will go into effect after at least 30 countries ratify it. That should happen in 2005. UNESCO also has created other intangible culture programs, such as a list called Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This list began in 2001 with 19 items and a further 28 were listed in 2003. In 2005 another list will be issued.