Intangible Heritage in the Sakha Republic and Conflict within UNESCO’s “Framework of Safeguarding” 

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In Russia’s Sakha Republic, the placement of the epic Olonkho at the vanguard of Sakha cultural representation has much to due with its recognition by UNESCO on its list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage” in 2005.  Since the recognition, several Sakha led institutions have sprang into being with the goal of supporting and promoting epic poetry in accordance with UNESCO’s emphasis on local community involvement. Several of these institutions now find themselves in disagreement as to what constitutes “real” olonkho and how to best ensure the transmission of oral heritage to the next generation. The differences in approach to Sakha heritage by the Olonkho Institute and the Olonkho Theater demonstrate the importance of recognizing a multitude of voices in discussions surrounding threatened heritage.  The tension between competing discourses are representative of the successful implementation of UNESCO’s program by the government of the Sakha Republic and a willingness to engage with difficult questions of the relevancy of preserving ancient traditions while leaving room for growth in the future.