Summary
This paper examines the characteristics of transhumance as an intangible heritage element. Transhumant practices in Asturias (North of Spain) serve as a basis for reflection, aiming to inform wider debates related to Intangible Cultural Heritage research and management. When considering the bases that define transhumance, we point out how difficult is to reduce its characterisation to certain material or immaterial aspects, extolling its transversality. Thus, the material/immaterial dichotomy must be overcome to enrich the debates surrounding its scientific knowledge and reinforce the governance models affecting its safeguarding. Transhumance constitutes an object of attention that goes beyond the traditional limits of scientific disciplines. Research on this manifestation must adopt transdisciplinary theoretical and methodological bases. Only in this way, we may be able to set up meeting points that will facilitate more complex studies of transhumance. In the same way, adopting a transdisciplinary approach will strengthen collaboration between the relevant departments and institutions for its management.
Keywords
Intangible Cultural Heritage. Cultural landscapes. Rural landscapes. Pastoralism.