Transmission and transformation of intangible cultural heritage in relation to natural hazards: a case study in Northern Vanuatu

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K11836
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 80010:Area studies-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo National Museum (2018, 2021-2023); National Museum of Ethnology (2019-2020)
• Principal Investigator: Nojima Yoko 独立行政法人国立文化財機構東京国立博物館, アジア太平洋無形文化遺産研究センター, 室長 (50586344)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 無形文化遺産 / 自然災害 / 火山災害 / バヌアツ / 環境 / レジリエンス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The project explored the impact of natural disasters on the practice and transmission of intangible cultural heritage, by conducting field research in the Republic of Vanuatu, one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, and interviewing local communities in two northern islands that have recently experienced disasters caused by volcanic eruptions (Gaua and Ambae). In particular, the focus on the cases of volcanic hazards provided various insights into the transmission of intangible cultural heritage in the difficult situation of evacuation. While living and interacting with neighbouring communities during evacuation provided an opportunity to revisit their respective cultural practices to learn and transmit intangible cultural heritage practices, it was confirmed that changes in lifestyles, including the cash economy, school education and church activities, were the main factors threatening the transmission of intangible cultural heritage.

Free Research Field

文化遺産

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

災害が、有形の文化遺産だけでなく無形文化遺産にも影響を及ぼすことは、東日本大震災をはじめとする災害事例を通じて、広く認知されるようになり、被災した無形文化遺産への復興支援の取り組みも見られるようになってきた。本研究は、無形文化遺産が状況に応じて変化しつつ継承されている実態について、具体的災害事例に基づいて詳述するものである。その成果は、無形文化遺産の動態を踏まえた保護の方策の構築を促すとともに、文化的状況に配慮した災害支援にも繋がる。