Co-developing Knowledge Documentation for the Intangible Heritage of Egyptian Woodwork Craft

Abstract

This research contributes towards the need to decolonise material culture knowledge by reaching out to communities across the world who still practice the intangible heritage of craft and linking their knowledge with the historical collections curated and exhibited in western heritage institutions. Craft know-how has been transmitted from past generations and in many instances still plays a key role in the economic development and social welfare within communities. Such development includes creative and handicraft industries which are under threat by mass production and the loss of traditional know-how. For western museums, the documentation of knowledge around craft can enhance our understanding and interpretation of collections. For communities, there is a potential to support preserving their endangered knowledge while offering opportunities to seek innovation through the digital transformation of their practices to benefit at a financial and socioeconomic level. This paper describes an ongoing research project which deploys visual methods and linked data to document and provide access to the intangible knowledge of the craft, which is practised by Egyptian woodwork crafters in the historic centre of Cairo.