Rudarii și patrimoniul cultural imaterial

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to shed light on the role of the Bayash in preserving and transmitting both the Romanian, and their own intangible cultural heritage. After presenting the general UNESCO frame for cultural heritage protection and discussing the way it is implemented in Romania, the paper focuses on the Bayash, both within and outside the country, and identifies core elements of their culture which function as identity markers and should be included on a representative list of intangible cultural heritage: the ritual of gurban, woodcarving, the manufacture of clay ovens etc. Last but not least, the paper raises several questions regarding the way in which the cultural heritage of minority groups is best preserved.