Intangible culture

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Intangible culture is the opposite of culture which is tangible or touchable such as a castle, a statue, or a painting. Intangible culture includes song, music, drama, skills, crafts, and the other parts of culture that can be recorded but cannot be touched and interacted with, without a vehicle for the culture. These cultural vehicles are called "Human Treasures" by the UN.

Several countries in addition to UNESCO are making efforts to protect intangible culture. Most notable are Japan (instituted a law in 1950 protecting intangible culture) and the Republic of Korea (1962).

In 2003 UNESCO adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. This went into effect on April 20, 2006. UNESCO has also created other intangible culture programs, such as a list called Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This list began in 2001 with 19 items and a further 28 were listed in 2003 and another 43 in 2005.