Environmental dimensions of intangible cultural heritage (on the example of Mordovian traditions)

Abstract

The article discusses the environmental context of the intangible cultural heritage. It is analyzed in three main aspects: systemic, normative and hermeneutic. Cultural diversity is considered as a constitutive characteristic of the cultural heritage of mankind, expansion of biodiversity, its projection on culture. It performs the same function for the conservation of socio-natural systems as biodiversity does for the maintenance of life on the planet. The normative foundation of traditional cultures is formed by the principles of attitude towards nature, which arose at the stage of ethnogenesis as responses to the challenges of the local environment. The specificity of environmental standards is demonstrated on the example of Mordovian ethnic culture. It is shown how these norms were refracted in a special way in various forms of intangible cultural heritage. It is concluded that the intangible cultural heritage of the Mordovian people, including the norms of attitude to the forest, the cultural spaces of sacred groves, woodcarving, musical polyphony, etc. requires careful study and protection, as well as consideration in the development of environmental measures.