Digitization Of Intangible Cultural Materials At Music Museum Of Nepal For Preservation And Common Access

Abstract

Background: Magnetic tapes were the major source of analog recording devices, until digital media storage devices arrived. Songs, dances and other cultural performances recorded in such analog materials are of high cultural importance as most of the performers aged or died. However, modern youth are slowly leaving such cultural traditions. On the other hand, westernization of culture is further deteriorating the traditional eastern folk culture. The intangible cultural heritages are in dire need of preservation through scientific means from being vulnerable and lost.

Purpose: The paper discusses the archival works that underwent at Music Museum of Nepal to restore analog audio and video materials. The details of the process are mentioned, along with background of the museum and preservation techniques for new researchers.

Methods: In order to get the appropriate data, a list of well structured questionnaires, multiple interviews with concerned persons and other observatory methods were implemented as research tool.

Result: The research paper investigated the detail process and approaches the museum adapted to digitize and archive its cultural assets. Similarly, a number of problems discovered and faced   during the archival process are mentioned in a way to assist the new archivists and culturists.

Novelty: The research provides insights into the use of new technologies adapted in Nepal for the transformation and preservation of analog media into digital assets, which include invaluable information about intangible cultural heritages. Similarly, technicians and researchers working in the field of audio and video signals are likely to be helped from the research.