When the Spirit of the Place Becomes a Symbol

Subercaseaux, María Inés (2008) When the Spirit of the Place Becomes a Symbol. In: 16th ICOMOS General Assembly and International Symposium: ‘Finding the spirit of place – between the tangible and the intangible’, 29 sept – 4 oct 2008, Quebec, Canada. [Conference or Workshop Item]

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Abstract (in English)

Canada is home to a myriad of cultural expressions of spirit of the place. From Haida totems to northern Inuksuit, native forms can be appreciated for their meaning in time, in space, and in their relation to the land. Even when removed from their context, these forms continue to express that spirit. While used to inspire artists, these forms are observed in different ways by others. Can this ‘spirit’ be transferred from one culture to another? Is it universal? The author will discuss the dual ideas of permanenttemporary, self-identity, and how the intangible embodies the recognition by others, ultimately to create a sense of belonging. The presentation will conclude discussion of how these forms have become symbols of Canadian identity and part of its collective memory. The author will present examples from within Canada, and those abroad, ending with Québec and Ottawa to observe various ‘migrated forms’ in vernacular contexts.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Authors:	Authors Email Subercaseaux, María Inés maria.subercaseaux@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca
Languages:	English
Keywords:	spirit of place; intangible heritage; identity; aboriginal cultures; aboriginal sites; totems; World Heritage List
Subjects:	M.WORLD HERITAGE CONVENTION > 03. World Heritage List O.INTANGIBLE HERITAGE > 01. Generalities H.HERITAGE TYPOLOGIES > 29. Other O.INTANGIBLE HERITAGE > 04. Social practices, rituals and festive events
Name of monument, town, site, museum:	SGang Gwaay, Canada
UNESCO WHC Number:	157
ICOMOS Special Collection:	Scientific Symposium (ICOMOS General Assemblies)
ICOMOS Special Collection Volume:	2008, 16th
Depositing User:	Jose Garcia
Date Deposited:	13 Sep 2010 08:27
Last Modified:	26 Jul 2023 16:22
References:	Aurore Boreal- Google Image Search, 2007: Images The Canadian Encyclopedia, Inuksuk, Native People: Artic, Inuit, Inuit Myth and Legend Civilizations.ca Haida, Haida villages, Haida Gwaii villages Civilizations.ca Northwest Coast Native settings, Skedans and Ninstints Graburn, Nelson, 2004, Inuksuk: Icon of the Inuit of Nunavut Inuksuk/Inunnguaq; inuksuit: Signposts of the North Kishigami, Nobuhiro, 2000, Identities of Inuit in Canada: Being a Real Inuk and Being one of the Inuit MacDonald, George F. 1983 Ninstints: Haida World Heritage Site UNESCO, Intangible Heritage, The Power of Culture Wikipedia, Spirit of Place
URI:	https://openarchive.icomos.org/id/eprint/114

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