Papers by Jessica Rossi
ICHpedia is an online based encyclopedia, which relies on users’ interaction and a bottom-up appr... more ICHpedia is an online based encyclopedia, which relies on users’ interaction and a bottom-up approach for the inventorying of Korean intangible cultural heritage, thus fostering active participation in the creation of an open-access online archive and enlarging the community of practice.
E-phaistos, 2023
The Republic of Korea is an active promoter of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in the world, a... more The Republic of Korea is an active promoter of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in the world, and thanks to the generosity of the Jeonju Government, ElFelze Association of Venice has won a prestigious award proving its perseverance and quality in transmitting and carrying on the traditional art of Gondola making, in Venice. The article presents the JIAPICH award and the Republic of South Korea system in connection with the work of gondola makers, and their effort for protecting and promoting this antique craftsmanship. The “living human treasures” system, as well as the Korean legislation on this topic are also introduced, with the aim of presenting a different perspective on the safeguarding of craftsmen/women involved in the preservation, transmission, and use of ICH in their daily lives.
This article aims at introducing the classification established by Korea's ICHpedia for users inv... more This article aims at introducing the classification established by Korea's ICHpedia for users involved in the inventorying of intangible cultural heritage through the use of Web 2.0 instruments. The analysis moves from the definition of community developed since the adoption of the UNESCO 2003 Convention, and traces the recent shift from object-oriented to person-oriented safeguarding of cultural heritage, in order to understand what changes from the cyberspace are taking place and influencing the field of intangible heritage. The new concept of "heritage of all" is closely connected with collective intelligence theories from the Nineties'. Moving from this theoretical background I try to postulate the necessity of a new shift in the definition of community, which has been strongly influenced by information and communication technologies (ICTs), which provides the cultural heritage sector with new networks of people involved in the identification of ICH elements.
Conference Presentations by Jessica Rossi
In 1962, the Republic of Korea enacted the Cultural Property Protection Law under the leadership ... more In 1962, the Republic of Korea enacted the Cultural Property Protection Law under the leadership of President Park Chung-hee. The aim of the act was the protection of the tangible and intangible Korean cultural heritage and the improvement of citizens’ lives by making use of it. The complicated historical background, which characterised the Korean peninsula from 1905 until the independence and after the Korean division, was strongly influenced by foreign colonisation, trusteeships, and ideologies. In particular, new Western thoughts and legacy were assimilated by the end of the Nineteenth century and then re-shaped during the colonial as well as post-division periods, in this way stimulating a counter-ideology based on particularism, which is reflected in modern cultural policies.
Through a theoretical approach, I try to demonstrate the different influences that Western culture had on the first Korean legislation for the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Sixties’ and onwards, and on the creation of a particular Korean ethnic identity, enforced by politics and cultural policies.
The analysis lays out beginning from the late Nineteenth century modern reforms made by King Gojong (1852-1919), who was inspired by Western countries’ modern ideas and institutions, to quickly arrive at the beginning of the Independence movement and the creation of (traditional) Korean culture associations under Japanese colonisation, until the division and the US modeled developmentalism with Korean specific aspects applied in the economic progress endorsed in the southern part of the peninsula.
ICHpedia is an online based encyclopedia, which relies on users’ interaction and a bottom-up appr... more ICHpedia is an online based encyclopedia, which relies on users’ interaction and a bottom-up approach for the inventorying of Korean intangible cultural heritage, thus fostering active participation in the creation of an open-access online archive and enlarging the community of practice.
The purpose of this research is to examine the transmission of Eunyeul Talchum (Mask Dance Drama)... more The purpose of this research is to examine the transmission of Eunyeul Talchum (Mask Dance Drama) in Incheon after the division of Korea and to trace, following the Korean legislation development until the newly enacted Act on the Safeguarding and Promotion of ICH (2015), the effects of the Korean legislation on Living National Treasures and on their role. Moreover, the research also draws on the on-going international quest about “authenticity” and compare the Korean Act (2015) text, where the word “archetype” is adopted (Art. 2.2), with the actual Eunyeul Talchum preservation and transmission.
As a matter of fact, some changes to the “original” form, both in musical instruments and transmission, were applied following the nomination of the Incheon-settled mask dance drama, and the election of a new Living Human Treasure holder. In addition, as the Eunyeul mask dance drama was originally conceived as a live performance, even though there is a format which was used to be played by early performers, nowadays the length of the music and dance cannot be performed identical to the original one because of the characteristic of the performance. This highlights some contradictions between the law text and its enforcement through real case studies and, once again, reminds us the living and changing nature of ICH together with the preservation problems it could face.
Not only the case of Eunyeul mask dance drama, but also Shamanism, as one of the appointed Korean National Cultural Heritage traditional expressions, has undergone some distortions after its nomination, for instance its religious value was exacerbated and many local shamanic expressions tried to change in order to fit a pre-established model suitable for national lists.
Books by Jessica Rossi
This book bursts with colour and joy, showcasing the playful masks, handmade hats, and traditiona... more This book bursts with colour and joy, showcasing the playful masks, handmade hats, and traditional attire that have enlivened Nongak performances for generations. The inspiration for this delightful project sprouted during the editor’s adventures in Nongak communities across the provinces of Jeolla (North and South) and Gangwon.
While this work isn’t a comprehensive study of Nongak costumes, it is a groundbreaking compilation of the diverse garments and accessories used in these spirited performances. In its own unique way, it marks the first-ever publication dedicated to South Korean Nongak costumes.
“Tribute to Nongak - 2024” honours the dynamic, pulsating tradition of Nongak community band music, dance, and rituals in the Republic of Korea, which this year (2024) celebrates its 10th anniversary on UNESCO’s list for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
In a rapidly globalizing and westernizing world, the essence of community remains the cornerstone of Korean society. This book celebrates performances like Nongak that sustain the spirit of communal life and the human-nature relationship, ensuring these traditions thrive for generations to come.
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Papers by Jessica Rossi
Conference Presentations by Jessica Rossi
Through a theoretical approach, I try to demonstrate the different influences that Western culture had on the first Korean legislation for the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Sixties’ and onwards, and on the creation of a particular Korean ethnic identity, enforced by politics and cultural policies.
The analysis lays out beginning from the late Nineteenth century modern reforms made by King Gojong (1852-1919), who was inspired by Western countries’ modern ideas and institutions, to quickly arrive at the beginning of the Independence movement and the creation of (traditional) Korean culture associations under Japanese colonisation, until the division and the US modeled developmentalism with Korean specific aspects applied in the economic progress endorsed in the southern part of the peninsula.
As a matter of fact, some changes to the “original” form, both in musical instruments and transmission, were applied following the nomination of the Incheon-settled mask dance drama, and the election of a new Living Human Treasure holder. In addition, as the Eunyeul mask dance drama was originally conceived as a live performance, even though there is a format which was used to be played by early performers, nowadays the length of the music and dance cannot be performed identical to the original one because of the characteristic of the performance. This highlights some contradictions between the law text and its enforcement through real case studies and, once again, reminds us the living and changing nature of ICH together with the preservation problems it could face.
Not only the case of Eunyeul mask dance drama, but also Shamanism, as one of the appointed Korean National Cultural Heritage traditional expressions, has undergone some distortions after its nomination, for instance its religious value was exacerbated and many local shamanic expressions tried to change in order to fit a pre-established model suitable for national lists.
Books by Jessica Rossi
While this work isn’t a comprehensive study of Nongak costumes, it is a groundbreaking compilation of the diverse garments and accessories used in these spirited performances. In its own unique way, it marks the first-ever publication dedicated to South Korean Nongak costumes.
“Tribute to Nongak - 2024” honours the dynamic, pulsating tradition of Nongak community band music, dance, and rituals in the Republic of Korea, which this year (2024) celebrates its 10th anniversary on UNESCO’s list for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
In a rapidly globalizing and westernizing world, the essence of community remains the cornerstone of Korean society. This book celebrates performances like Nongak that sustain the spirit of communal life and the human-nature relationship, ensuring these traditions thrive for generations to come.
Through a theoretical approach, I try to demonstrate the different influences that Western culture had on the first Korean legislation for the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Sixties’ and onwards, and on the creation of a particular Korean ethnic identity, enforced by politics and cultural policies.
The analysis lays out beginning from the late Nineteenth century modern reforms made by King Gojong (1852-1919), who was inspired by Western countries’ modern ideas and institutions, to quickly arrive at the beginning of the Independence movement and the creation of (traditional) Korean culture associations under Japanese colonisation, until the division and the US modeled developmentalism with Korean specific aspects applied in the economic progress endorsed in the southern part of the peninsula.
As a matter of fact, some changes to the “original” form, both in musical instruments and transmission, were applied following the nomination of the Incheon-settled mask dance drama, and the election of a new Living Human Treasure holder. In addition, as the Eunyeul mask dance drama was originally conceived as a live performance, even though there is a format which was used to be played by early performers, nowadays the length of the music and dance cannot be performed identical to the original one because of the characteristic of the performance. This highlights some contradictions between the law text and its enforcement through real case studies and, once again, reminds us the living and changing nature of ICH together with the preservation problems it could face.
Not only the case of Eunyeul mask dance drama, but also Shamanism, as one of the appointed Korean National Cultural Heritage traditional expressions, has undergone some distortions after its nomination, for instance its religious value was exacerbated and many local shamanic expressions tried to change in order to fit a pre-established model suitable for national lists.
While this work isn’t a comprehensive study of Nongak costumes, it is a groundbreaking compilation of the diverse garments and accessories used in these spirited performances. In its own unique way, it marks the first-ever publication dedicated to South Korean Nongak costumes.
“Tribute to Nongak - 2024” honours the dynamic, pulsating tradition of Nongak community band music, dance, and rituals in the Republic of Korea, which this year (2024) celebrates its 10th anniversary on UNESCO’s list for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
In a rapidly globalizing and westernizing world, the essence of community remains the cornerstone of Korean society. This book celebrates performances like Nongak that sustain the spirit of communal life and the human-nature relationship, ensuring these traditions thrive for generations to come.