INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

UNESCO defines ‘intangible cultural heritage’ as being community-based and representative of that community, its customs and skills. It’s a simultaneously traditional and living practice. Among the 629 UNESCO-listed traditions are examples of performing arts, craft making and natural practices. Estonia has five entries on the list. The most recent, the building and use of dugout canoes in the Soomaa region, joins the smoke sauna tradition (the actual bathing customs, but also the making and maintenance of wooden saunas, bath whisks and saunasmoked meat) and the ancient tradition of polyphonic singing among the Seto community in southeastern Estonia. Known as leelo, it’s performed by all-female choirs using a technique that lets them sing two notes at once. The safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage is considered an important part of sustainable development. Traditional food gathering, hunting and farming practices contribute to food security, while quality global health care can be provided with the aid of traditional health practices that use local natural resources.