|
New Page 1
|
The movable cultural heritage
The cultural heritage consists of a great deal more than just the paintings
and sculptures exhibited in museums: it also comprises ancient jewelry
discovered on archaeological sites, grave-goods, sacred art in religious
buildings, sculpted stone from historic monuments, all kinds of works of art
that are ancient or still in the hands of their creators, or on the market
or in private collections.
Such artistic objects and works can be found in places of worship (all
shrines in Kerbala, Najaf, Kadhimain, Samarra), museums, Al umma public
garden: paintings and drawings, sculptures, engravings, rare manuscripts,
ancient works, books, seals and rings, coins, textiles, embroideries,
carpets, furniture of high aesthetic and technical quality, old musical
instruments, photographs, films and even stamps . All of this heritage
deserves our attention and should be protected as a record of past and
present creativity and aesthetic values.
The threat to this cultural heritage has many barbs: theft, smuggling,
damage due to carelessness, or destruction. A special effort should
therefore be made to ensure protection: it should not be forgotten that the
best defender of all is the general public.
|
