Preserving Memory, Safeguarding Heritage. Designing the Digital Library of Living Traditions of Jordanian Handicraft

Abstract

The research addresses the valorisation of Jordanian intangible cultural heritage (ICH), developing the concept of a Digital Library of Living Traditions, a web-based tool to document the Jordanian cultural landscape through its handicraft production. The research aim is to extend the understanding of the collections exhibited at the Folklore and Popular Traditions Museums, part of the Roman theatre archaeological site. This work reports on creating a research and dissemination tool, the DL, to include in the valorisation process of the living culture and folklore of Jordan about objects, places, and techniques beyond the physical collections displayed at the museums. The first part of the paper envisions the role of storytelling and audiovisual archives in the realm of design for ICH, ideating, producing, and representing digital memories with and on digital media, including different genres and formats. The second part describes the DL, which is a multimedia archive that will make accessible a digital repository in which curators and scholars can get visual documentation and information about techniques, raw materials, and fabrication tools for the leading traditional Jordanian handicrafts. The contents will be partially accessible within the museums, enhancing the on-site experience and creating interactive touchpoints for a broad audience. The project also promotes workshop activities and capacity building on digital heritage and multimedia communication strategy.

Keywords

• intangible cultural heritage
• research and development
• digital cultural design
• audiovisual storytelling
• jordan heritage