The safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in Brunei Darussalam: a case study

Brunei Darussalam is a nation characterised by its cultural and ethnic diversity with long-lasting traditions prevalent among the majority of the Brunei Malay, but also among other ethnic minorities such as the Dusun, the Murut, the Belait, Bisaya, Kedayan, Tutong, Iban and the considerable Chinese community. These cultures reflect the cultural elements and practices of the Malay Archipelago, India, the Chinese diaspora, and Europe, but strongly shaped by Islam. These elements are reflected in architecture, in oral traditions, traditional craftmanship, performing arts, social practices and traditional knowledge related to the natural environment. However, over the last decades, due to the rapid development and industrial growth of the country, a shift in lifestyle has occurred and younger generations are no longer interested in inheriting intangible cultural heritage. To ensure the safeguarding of ICH, Brunei Darussalam ratified the 2003 Convention in 2011. This paper aims to offer an overview on the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in Brunei Darussalam, assessing the status and prospect of ICH safeguarding, analysing data on research on ICH safeguarding and considering the impact of the 2003 Convention in national strategies towards the safeguarding of ICH.