Ole’ Man Pappie is confirmed to host a live folklore and storytelling afternoon at the upcoming River Town Music and Arts Festival.
+ Guyana is a country rich in cultural diversity, with a unique blend of African, Indian, Indigenous, and European influences. It is a melting pot of various traditions and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation.
One of the most significant aspects of this cultural heritage is the folk tales and stories that have been preserved through time. These stories reflect the country’s history, beliefs, values, and way of life. One of the most notable storytellers in Guyana is Michael Khan, also known as Ole’ Man Pappie.
Ole’ Man Pappie is a Guyanese folk character who has taken it upon himself to educate future generations about Guyana’s culture.
He uses dramatic stories, traditional Guyanese artifacts, puppetry, painting, drawing, song, dance, and poetry to bring these stories to life.
His work is aimed at the preservation and dissemination of Guyana’s authentic and unique “Tangible” and “Intangible” Cultural Heritage.
Through his storytelling, he hopes to promote respect for cultural diversity and human creativity.
What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?
According to UNESCO, intangible cultural heritage refers to the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills, instruments, objects, artifacts, and cultural spaces associated with a community or group’s cultural heritage.
This heritage is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature, and their history.
It provides them with a sense of identity and continuity.
The intangible cultural heritage is manifested in various domains such as oral traditions and expressions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, and traditional craftsmanship.
Preserving and Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage
Preserving and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage is crucial in promoting cultural diversity and human creativity. It involves identifying, documenting, researching, preserving, protecting, promoting, enhancing, and transmitting the various aspects of such heritage.
This can be achieved through formal and non-formal education and the revitalization of various aspects of such heritage.
Ole’ Man Pappie at the River Town Music and Arts Festival
Ole’ Man Pappie’s storytelling is a testament to the importance of preserving and safeguarding Guyana’s intangible cultural heritage.
His performances at the River Town Music and Arts Festival on Sunday 30 April 2023 from 2 pm, at Harmony Hill, Rasville, Wismar Linden, will be an opportunity for people to experience Guyana’s culture first-hand.
The festival is an excellent opportunity for Guyanese to celebrate their heritage and learn more about their country’s unique customs and traditions.
Conclusion
Guyana’s folklore and storytelling are essential aspects of the country’s cultural heritage. Ole’ Man Pappie’s work is a testament to the importance of preserving and safeguarding Guyana’s intangible cultural heritage.
Through his storytelling, he hopes to promote respect for cultural diversity and human creativity. The River Town Music and Arts Festival is an excellent opportunity for people to experience Guyana’s culture first-hand and celebrate their heritage.
