Global Conversation on Heritage: Bridging Eastern and Western Approaches
Heritage preservation methods vary worldwide, shaped by different histories, philosophies and cultural practices.
RIYADH: The global conversation on heritage is transforming as societies across the world seek to preserve their legacies.
In the West, this has been a scientific endeavor; in many non-Western cultures, it's an ongoing responsibility passed down through generations, according to experts.Diverse methodologies exist due to varying cultural contexts.
Western and non-Western approaches, though differing in execution, share the common goal of conserving heritage as a living resource for future generations.Giovanni Fontana Antonelli, consultant at the Heritage Commission, explained that differences between Western and Non-Western approaches are deeply rooted in each region's history.
The Western approach to preservation developed after the Industrial Revolution, when newfound stability and wealth sparked interest in ancient civilizations.
This led to the formation of groups of intellectuals who sought to protect these remnants, particularly for the burgeoning middle class.John Ruskin from the UK and Eugene Viollet-Le-Duc from France were key figures in shaping early conservation theories in Europe.Antonelli noted that around 200 years ago, two major schools of thought emerged: one based on artistic and historical value, and another focused on practical and religious preservation.
Both shared a commonality – an awareness of being part of a greater body of knowledge.He mentioned how the Italian School of Conservation, particularly Cesare Brandi, contributed significantly to conservation methodologies in the 20th century.
The Venice Charter for Conservation and Restoration (ICOMOS, 1964) formalized these principles but maintained a Eurocentric perspective until non-Western viewpoints were acknowledged internationally at the Nara Conference in Japan in 1994.Non-Western practices have gained recognition due to their community-based methods and local grounding.
Antonelli highlighted successful Asian examples such as Japan, Korea, and China, along with South-East Asia, where ancient temples are restored according to traditional protocols that respect authenticity.Sub-Saharan Africa presents unique traditions, often characterizing heritage conservation as a communal activity.
For instance, the annual maintenance of earthen plasters in the Sahel region involves the entire community, intertwining preservation with cultural festivals and intangible heritage aspects.In Saudi Arabia, heritage preservation is both tangible and spiritual.
The approach emphasizes maintaining material artifacts along with the values and stories tied to them, recognizing how understanding the past shapes the nation's future.The Saudi Heritage Commission recently hosted International Restoration Week in Riyadh, bringing together experts like Faris Al-Harmah, a teacher and craftsman specializing in traditional woodwork.
He discussed various preservation techniques, including the use of oil, as practiced by the Vikings and historically by Saudis for wooden objects, emphasizing adaptation based on purpose.Antonelli believes that bridging Western and non-Western methodologies is essential for future conservation efforts.
The global exchange of knowledge and practices ensures a balanced approach to heritage preservation.
In the West, this has been a scientific endeavor; in many non-Western cultures, it's an ongoing responsibility passed down through generations, according to experts.Diverse methodologies exist due to varying cultural contexts.
Western and non-Western approaches, though differing in execution, share the common goal of conserving heritage as a living resource for future generations.Giovanni Fontana Antonelli, consultant at the Heritage Commission, explained that differences between Western and Non-Western approaches are deeply rooted in each region's history.
The Western approach to preservation developed after the Industrial Revolution, when newfound stability and wealth sparked interest in ancient civilizations.
This led to the formation of groups of intellectuals who sought to protect these remnants, particularly for the burgeoning middle class.John Ruskin from the UK and Eugene Viollet-Le-Duc from France were key figures in shaping early conservation theories in Europe.Antonelli noted that around 200 years ago, two major schools of thought emerged: one based on artistic and historical value, and another focused on practical and religious preservation.
Both shared a commonality – an awareness of being part of a greater body of knowledge.He mentioned how the Italian School of Conservation, particularly Cesare Brandi, contributed significantly to conservation methodologies in the 20th century.
The Venice Charter for Conservation and Restoration (ICOMOS, 1964) formalized these principles but maintained a Eurocentric perspective until non-Western viewpoints were acknowledged internationally at the Nara Conference in Japan in 1994.Non-Western practices have gained recognition due to their community-based methods and local grounding.
Antonelli highlighted successful Asian examples such as Japan, Korea, and China, along with South-East Asia, where ancient temples are restored according to traditional protocols that respect authenticity.Sub-Saharan Africa presents unique traditions, often characterizing heritage conservation as a communal activity.
For instance, the annual maintenance of earthen plasters in the Sahel region involves the entire community, intertwining preservation with cultural festivals and intangible heritage aspects.In Saudi Arabia, heritage preservation is both tangible and spiritual.
The approach emphasizes maintaining material artifacts along with the values and stories tied to them, recognizing how understanding the past shapes the nation's future.The Saudi Heritage Commission recently hosted International Restoration Week in Riyadh, bringing together experts like Faris Al-Harmah, a teacher and craftsman specializing in traditional woodwork.
He discussed various preservation techniques, including the use of oil, as practiced by the Vikings and historically by Saudis for wooden objects, emphasizing adaptation based on purpose.Antonelli believes that bridging Western and non-Western methodologies is essential for future conservation efforts.
The global exchange of knowledge and practices ensures a balanced approach to heritage preservation.
