Knowledge Systems

Knowledge systems are inherently holistic, composed of many interacting constituent parts that may span or be embedded within different interrelated aspects of social practice, including economic, social, environmental, political, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. They relate to and connect both material components or tangible heritage (e.g., humans, animals/plants, landscapes, built structures, and objects, including tools), and non-material components or intangible heritage (e.g., languages, ideas, values, beliefs, epistemologies and worldviews). At the same time, knowledge systems reflect how these components interconnect with each other, blurring the boundaries between what is defined as tangible and intangible. Knowledge systems are sets of interacting ‘agents, practices and institutions that organise the production, transfer and use of knowledge’ (Cornel et al 2013) (ICSM CHC White Paper I: Intangible cultural heritage, diverse knowledge systems and climate change).