PRESERVING INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE: A CASE STUDY OF TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE CUSTOMS IN OTUKPO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENUE STATE

Inalegwu, Stephany Akipu and Agu, Charles C. (2023) PRESERVING INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE: A CASE STUDY OF TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE CUSTOMS IN OTUKPO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENUE STATE. Journal of Tourism and Heritage Studies, 12 (1). pp. 41-57.

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Abstract

Given the rate at which Westernization is eroding this vital aspect of our lives, there is an urgent need to protect and preserve our intangible cultural heritage. Just as it applies to culture, intangible heritage is constantly changing. Although, these changes could be detrimental or advantageous as the case may be. Intangible cultural heritage can therefore be regarded as being under threat if not safeguarded and kept alive. To achieve this, the tradition must be practised regularly and then passed from generation to generation. However, using Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State as a case study, marriage rites are either being modernised to the extent that it is losing their authenticity and value. If care is not taken, in a few years, individuals will just move in with each other without following the proper cultural procedures as regards marriage union between both parties, thereby cracking the foundation upon which very important aspects of human existence such as family and values, lie. This paper is an ethnographic study of some of the changes that have occurred in Traditional Marriage customs in Otukpo as well as some aspects that have continued despite the evolution of these traditional marriage customs. The paper serves as a form of documentation for the future. At the same time, it serves as a call for the dire need to preserve this cultural heritage by maintaining the practices and rites involved in marriage in the study area. The method of research involves primary and secondary methods

Item Type: Article
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
Divisions: Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Art
Depositing User: Uchenna Eneogwe
Date Deposited: 12 Jun 2025 13:19
Last Modified: 12 Jun 2025 13:19
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/4826

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