Mythical narratives as intangible cultural heritage from Ibitipoca

Abstract

Discussions about the need to valorise Brazil's historical and cultural heritage have gained momentum in recent decades, especially in the face of conflicts between neoliberal interests and the conservation of traditional practices and knowledge. From this perspective, it is worth pointing out that the concept of cultural heritage broadens the very notion of heritage and considers that it includes scientific, historical, ecological and artistic cultural goods, not limited to physical objects, and therefore includes intangible cultural heritage that is ‘contained in traditions, folklore, knowledge, languages, festivals and various other aspects and manifestations’ (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation [Unesco], 2021) of culture.