An operative writing of technique: knowledge and know-how in intangible cultural heritage

Created in 2008 after the French approval of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003), the ICH National Inventory is kept by the Ministry of Culture (Heritage Directorate). With almost 25% inventory files regarding traditional craftsmanship, it provides a new heritage approach of techniques: processing of materials, agricultural, culinary, maritime, fishery techniques, artistic techniques, traditional building techniques, textile techniques, musical instrument making. Together with other documentary tools for cultural heritage, the ICH inventory gives a specific orientation: a selection of technical practices which must meet the provisions and criteria of the Convention, an inventorying process of an anthropological nature, which describes knowledge, techniques and know-how through the lens of the communities involved (practitioners, companies, specialized organisations.) and the same importance given to the process mapping as to the viability of practices, transmission conditions, formal and non-formal education, training pathways and any professional certification system. By analysing techniques through their social, cultural and environmental interactions and by using ethical and operative dimensions, the writing of the technical fact is here very clearly subjected to a value field.