The pearl of the Indian Ocean Sri Lanka, reflects a long history of its nations. From the archeological evidence of the prehistoric settlements and prehistoric human Balangoda man (Deraniyagala, 1998) to modern food of kottu like pizza to American; make the broad diversity of culture in Sir Lanka. By analyzing cultural heritage definition in Sinhala language, the definition given in the legislations in 1940, and its relationship with Athens charter and 1954 UNESCO convention, I will demonstrate the cultural heritage vision imbedded in the society through legal definition. Also, I will offer criticisms and recommendations for an improved approach to the definition of cultural heritage in Sri Lanka in broader context.
According to the Sinhala language,”Sanskruthika Urumayan” word reflects the translated form of the English word cultural heritage. The word “Sanskruthiya” means culture and “Urumayan” means both tangible and intangible remaining forms from the past to the present. Considering the legislation definition I have chosen to define cultural heritage according to laws of Sri Lanka, it is important to see the period of its origin. Sri Lanka, which named as Ceylon was colonized by British throne, from early of 1830s to 1945 February 4th Independence Day (citation). Therefore, the following legislation document of Sri Lanka was developed in 1940 under the colonial ruling before the independence and the word referred to cultural heritage is antiquities. According to the 1940 Antiquities Ordinance of Ceylon, it recognize any monuments that lying, being or found in the (Ceylon) Sri Lanka as the ancient monuments if they are dated before 1815. Also, it had defined a monument as,”temple, church, monument, other structure or erecti...
... middle of paper ...
...ity in the culture heritage these aspects need to be include. The inclusion of trees in the materialist antiquates system base on the historical aspect needs to change according to the Sri Lankan belief system. Because considering the belief context in Sri Lanka especially Buddhists have historically and spiritually important trees such as Sir Maha Bhodiya (sacred symbol of Buddha) which was planted in 3rd century BC (UNESCO World Heritage convention). Therefore, the inclusions of such heritages like nature should accept spiritual values. Further, it should expand to all ethnic groups in Sri Lanka .Even though the definition does not specify separate ethnic groups to have diversity in the country need to identify heritages of different nationalities in Sri Lanka. Also, the theme of property need to changes because value of each heritage cannot be taken to a scale.
To identify the specific type, functions and time period of the artifacts, various archaeology books, reports, and journal were referred. The interpretation was then conducted by dividing the artifacts into different area on the map and investigating their relationships.
...estions of resilience and capacity of the government value of heritage and people who are dedicated in preserving it.
The wooden lintels, writing, and the unique calendar reveal clues about life in a society that thrived for over 1000 years. Many massive building are visible today, those built to pay tribute to kings and to please the deities. The M...
Duncan’s (1991) analysis of western museums is defined through the theme of “durable objects” as a criterion to judge the heritage of American and European art as a ritual of the modern state. In this manner western art museums are built like “temples” as a symbolic and figurative representation of greatness of western culture throughout the world: “[They] are more like the traditional ceremonial monuments that museum buildings often emulate—classical temples” (Duncan 90). This interpretation of American/European museums defines a dominant source of cultural heritage that ritualizes
Stratton, E. (2002). The evolution of Indian stupa architecture in east Asia. New Delhi: Vedams.
For years on end, countries have been fighting with big museums from other countries for ancient artifacts that belong to the original countries. The argument of whether or not the museums should be able to keep them still remains. It is the right of the country to have their own artifacts. It is imperative for countries to be able showcase their historical artifacts, therefor museums should return them to their rightful owners.
The Truth Behind: Atlantis Documentary focuses on both supporting and debunking the existence of Atlantis at either the Bahamas, Crete, Knossos, or Thera/Santorini. Throughout this paper I will be deliberating how archeology works at these stated sites, how archeology impacts society as a whole in the context of Atlantis in regards to the modern day fascination and obsession with this seeming mystery, and how archaeological knowledge is acquired and conveyed at the site in order to substantiate certain theories about the past location or Atlantis. Analyzing all of these facets will allow me to think critically about archeology and evidently the archaeological concepts we’ve discussed throughout the course. Atlantis, within this movie, demonstrates
Historic districts have evolved from the preserving a single house at a time, to the preserving of districts and neighborhoods. This practice eventually led up to the comprehensive application of the discipline. Historic Preservation came from a special place, a place that helps us to remember our history.
As we studied in lecture, the culture of a particular community is meaningful only when we study them in their context. If we study them outside of the context, they do not have any cultural value or meaning. The culture of Srilankan Tamils contains many traditions and customs. Customs and rituals have been part of the society from generation to generation and some are relatively new. Most of these customs are connected with everyday life for most people in the social and religious circle and they are considered desirable and constructive. I would like to discuss some of the course readings such as Adam Ashforth’s Madumo: A man Bewitched, Durham Deborah’s Soliciting Gifts and Negotiating Agency, Evan Pritchard’s The notion of witchcraft explains unfortunate events, Rosaldo Renato’s Grief and a headhunter’s rage and Geertz Clifford’s Deep play.
Kirshenblatt-Gimblett, B., 2004, From ethnology to heritage: The role of the museum, In: B.M. Carbonell,, 2012. Museum Studies: An anthology of contexts. Oxford: Blackwell publishing. pp. 199-205
In a word, cultural heritage belongs to where it is created. Based on this precondition, cultural artifacts can be shared by all the human being only when its owner offers this on his own.
Pandey, T. N., 2014. Lecture 1/9/14: Culture of India: Aryan and Indigenous Population. Cultures of India. U.C. Santa Cruz.
Sri Nandanandana, “Preaching in India’s Northeast For Cultural Preservation” VaiShnava News February 21, 2003; Retrieved information Dec. 9,2003 http://www.vnn.org/world/WD0302/WD21-7837.html
In the following essay, I will be comparing and contrasting to architectural pieces by the Indians. The first is the Taj Mahal, a building constructed from white marble that took seventeen years to build in honor of Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal (Z. Haq). This piece of architectural beauty belonged to the Mughal’s, the Muslim emperors in India (Z. Haq). The second is the Great Stupa at Sanchi, a holy, dome shaped structure that covers the body of the Buddha in honor of him and his contributions to Buddhism (Fischer, Julia). Furthermore, this structure was made of ruins, rocks, mud, and covered in bricks (Fischer, Julia). Both pieces of architecture are significant to the Indians, however they do contrast in some ways.
International Cultural Tourism Charter: Managing Tourism at Places of Heritage Significance, ICOMOS, viewed 3 May 2014, http://www.icomos.org/tourism/charter.html