Cultural Heritage Preservation Through Digital Media: A Practice-Based Research on Immersive Digital Media as a Form of Resistance
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Royal College of Art for the Master’s Degree.
Abstract
This study investigates the conservation of Palestine’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, specifically focusing on traditional crafts industries like pottery, ceramics, and glass-blowing in Gaza and Hebron. These crafts industries are facing threats due to the persistent occupation and conflicts in the region. The study highlights the significance of intangible cultural heritage in upholding Palestinian identity and continuity, drawing upon David Lowenthal’s preservation theory. It posits that immersive digital media can play a pivotal role in safeguarding these traditions. The initiative project utilizes immersive digital media to archive and conserve Palestinian intangible cultural heritage. This endeavor explores the potential of digital media as a form of resisting cultural obliteration. The research methodology involves qualitative approaches, including interviews with local artisans, and utilizes digital 3D technology to establish a virtual and physical gallery that digitally reconstructs intangible cultural heritage. The paper stresses the importance of collaborating with local communities and cultural heritage organizations to ensure the effective preservation of these traditions.
Each practices and dissertation of this research can be seen in the following:Research Background
Pottery Workshops in Al-Nafaq Street in Northern Gaza.
Firash Market in Al-Fawakhir District, Northern Gaza
Scale
Pottery production in Gaza has been taking place in a few workshops, mainly run by the Attalah family. Most of the workshops are located on Al-Nafaq Street in Northern Gaza. The finished pottery is sold in the Al-Fawakhir district adjacent to Al-Nafaq street, especially in the Firash Market, where local Gaza residents purchase these jarrah for cooking and decorating.
Recent satellite image of Al-Nafaq Street in Northern Gaza
Geomolg, 2024
Pottery in Gaza, Palestine
Inheriting from prehistoric times, pottery in Gaza is the oldest intangible cultural heritage in the Palestinian region. As an intangible cultural heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation by the Atallah family, pottery, known as Jarrah, plays an essential role in storing and transporting oil, food, and water. This pottery has been made from Terra Rossa, a red clay material from Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun, located on the Israeli border. It is crafted through wheel-throwing, drying, and baking processes.
A Scale Collage of Gaza Pottery Industry
Recent satellite image of Firash Market in Al-Fawakhir District
Geomolg, 2024
Problem
Gaza’s pottery industry has been experiencing a decline in demand due to the proliferation of inexpensive plastic products and is facing extinction due to various geopolitical challenges. These challenges include power shortages, deteriorating material supply, and the imposition of administrative shutdowns at pottery workshops due to environmental concerns. Furthermore, the Israeli bombardment of Northern Gaza last year resulted in the destruction of the workshop area and its sales sites, intensifying the risk of extinction and complicating efforts towards sustainability.
(Left) ‘Ard Cana’an’ Glass-Blowing workshop and Ibrahami Mosque in Old City of Hebron
(Right) Pottery, Ceramic and Glass-Blowing Workshops Location in Hebron
Hebron Pottery
Hebron’s pottery industry is an intangible cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations in the Al-Fakhoury family since the Ottoman Empire period. Potters create a variety of ceramic products using Qalala clay sourced from Hebron Hill.
Hebron Ceramic
Hebron’s Ceramics has a history of more than 400 years and is an intangible cultural heritage that has been inherited by the Tamimi, Al-Fakhoury, and Natsheh families. The ceramic production process involves molding, baking, painting, and glazing, and is characterized by blue and white patterns that symbolizes Islamic art and Mediterranean aesthetics.
Hebron Glass-Blowing
Hebron’s Glass Blowing is an intangible cultural heritage that has been inherited by the Natsheh family since the Mamluk era. This glass-blowing is an unique skill that transforms molten glass into various ornaments, mainly produced by utilizing glass waste sourced from Hebron locally.
A Scale Collage of Hebron Pottery, Ceramic, and Glass Blowing Industries.
Scale
Workshops that were once located in the old city of Hebron have now been relocated to the industrial zone south of the old city due to environmental pollution. Pottery products are primarily sold to Israelis, and there has been a decrease in demand in the Palestinian market. Before the second Intifada, there were active overseas exports and sales throughout Palestine, but sales have declined due to the impact of the occupation.
Hebron’s ceramic and glass blowing workshops were mostly relocated north of the old city due to Israeli occupation. The products are primarily sold in local markets on Shuhada Street and exported to tourists cities like Jerusalem and Bethlehem, as well as to sovereign countries such as Jordan and other Arab nations, in order to promote Palestinian cultural identity.
(Left) Markets on Al-Shuhada Street in Hebron with Satellite Image
Geomolg, 2024
(Right) The site photo of Hebron Markets on Al-Shuhada Street
Geomolg, 2024
Problem
Hebron’s pottery industry has been struggling due to a lack of government support and competition with cheap plastic products. Additionally, the ongoing occupation has made it impossible to export pottery, and the industrialization of workshop locations has led to dangerous working environments, raising concerns about potters’ health problems. These challenges threaten the sustainability of Hebron’s pottery industry.
Hebron’s ceramic and glass blowing workshops are facing severe challenges that threaten their existence. The Israeli occupation, restrictions on exports, decline in tourism, high fuel costs, and aging machinery are all contributing factors to the industry’s struggle for sustainability. Numerous workshops have closed or moved, and those that remain are finding it hard to survive due to a lack of workers.
In addition, the Old City of Hebron is the only Palestinian city with Israeli settlements within the city. Al-Shuhada Street is a site of intense political conflict (See above two images). The market on this street used to be a lively place where Hebron crafts were trade. However, the markets are now closed due to conflicts with the settlements, and a few shows have been threatened by Israeli settlers.