Published: 2021-12-20

The last such “Judosh”. Remarks on constructing and deconstructing of cultural heritage in the context of the identity of the residents of Skoczów

Kinga Czerwińska
Journal of Urban Ethnology
Section: Articles
DOI https://doi.org/10.23858/JUE19.2021.004

Abstract

One of the key factors that shape the profile of the local culture is the value-determining attitude towards one’s own cultural heritage, which is grounded over the period of several generations. Heritage, and thus defining the past, becomes the ground for seeking a common social and cultural identity that ultimately
turns into a platform for activity based on social bonds. The manifestation of these bonds is expressed by the local community integration coefficient. An intriguing aspect of it is a situation where the value of cultural heritage is undermined either by the community members or by certain external factors. Defence mechanisms vary significantly whilst the consequences may destabilise the sense of community or, on the contrary, strengthen it. Theoretical theses of the article are based on empirical research on the origins of the “Judosh” parade, which constitutes one of the identity determinants of the residents of Skoczów. An unsuccessful attempt to enter this custom in the UNESCO National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage triggered a wave of confusion among the residents and, as a consequence, gave rise to reflection on the vitality of this custom as well as to attempts at deconstructing it.

Keywords:

cultural heritage, identity, invention of tradition, performativity of heritage

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Czerwińska, K. . (2021). The last such “Judosh”. Remarks on constructing and deconstructing of cultural heritage in the context of the identity of the residents of Skoczów. Journal of Urban Ethnology, 19, 61–79. https://doi.org/10.23858/JUE19.2021.004

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