What local knowledge would you pass down to the next generation?

Friday 12 July 2024

A new community project is inviting islanders to suggest which aspects of Jersey's culture should be immortalised in an inventory of "intangible heritage".

Launched by Jersey Heritage, the 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' project aims to document, celebrate and ultimately protect the traditions, knowledge, music, stories and customs that capture the heart and soul of Jersey's rich cultural tapestry.

Intangible heritage consists of non-physical cultural treasures – such as folklore, customs, beliefs, traditions, knowledge, and language.

Islanders are being invited to put forward suggestions to create an inventory of such items that could be considered for UNESCO World Intangible Heritage Status.

The aim of the project is to help keep Jersey's heritage alive for future generations.

On Wednesday 17 July, a cross-section of community leaders have been invited to the Société Jersiaise to hear what the project is about and how they can get involved.

Leaders from groups ranging from the religious to the sporting, Irish to Black African, business to charitable, and arts to farming will all be in attendance.

UK experts Jonathan Karkut and Julie Scott from culture and heritage company Touch TD will also be at the project launch to share three examples of intangible heritage in the island that could potentially make the final list submitted to UNESCO.

These examples are: 

• Jersey's surfing scene (e.g. knowledge of waterways/expertise in board making)
• Jersey cow (e.g. notion of the breed/ breeding knowledge)
• Coastal navigation (e.g. knowledge of waterways/navigating the tides)

A presentation about the importance of intangible cultural heritage and what steps have been taken by other countries around the world will also feature at the event.

The Jersey project follows the UK's signing of the 2003 UN Convention for the Protection of Intangible Heritage in April 2024, which requires a list of intangible heritage to be drawn up.

Jersey is not yet a signatory, but the Government’s Heritage Strategy already seeks to protect the island's intangible heritage.

Vic Tanner Davy, Jersey Heritage’s Head of Programmes, said community engagement was vital to the success of the project.

“Intangible heritage is held in the things that we do and say, the knowledge we hold and the traditions we value," he explained.

"Our project is wide ranging and by its very nature needs as many people as possible to get involved and ensure the knowledge and customs that are most dear to islanders are protected for future generations to learn about and enjoy.

"We believe their insights and suggestions are crucial to ensuring that the list reflects the vibrant diversity of island life and hope they are inspired to share the project with their communities and to get them involved."

Once the first stage of the project is complete, the project will be opened up to the public so that other islanders can put forward their own suggestions.

Drop-in workshops are planned for the autumn.