Safeguarding and inheriting intangible cultural heritage music in the Chongqing Three Gorges Reservoir area: A case study on Lore

Abstract

Safeguarding and inheriting a society's intangible cultural heritage (ICH) music is essential for preserving cultural identity and fostering cultural diversity. A primary motivation for the formation and continuous activities of the heritage preservation community is the concern over losing valuable cultural assets. Incomplete histories, missing documents, and limited access to both tangible and intangible resources are all repercussions of lost heritage, affecting both the public and scholarly sectors. Given the inherent fragility of intangible cultural forms such as dance, language, and music, archives tasked with preserving these records face unique challenges. These forms can easily vanish without proper documentation and preservation, reinforcing the vital role of the relevant organizations. So, this study explores the unique musical traditions of the Chongqing Three Gorges Reservoir area (CTGRA), along with the various methods for protecting and promoting this ICH. In‐depth information on regional musical traditions, as well as the challenges and possibilities related to conserving and transmitting these practices, was gathered via participant observation, interviews, and field study. The major ways of preserving and transmitting ICH music are storytelling and oral practices that connect communities and musical histories and promote their identity. This study reveals several practices of preserving and transmitting ICH music, such as raising awareness of people, encouraging local artists, and using digital media and advanced technology. This study argues that the rich cultural heritage of the CTGRA is preserved and inherited to future generations by implementing strategies that leverage the power of narrative and support the continuation of these musical practices.