Study urges new approach to preserve Omani musical heritage
Researchers call for combining institutional archives with community participation to protect living traditions from gradual decline
MUSCAT, Oman (MNTV) — A new study from Sultan Qaboos University has called for a shift in how Oman preserves its traditional music, warning that reliance on static archives risks weakening a vital part of the country’s cultural identity.
The research, led by Ayat Al-Mataniya, highlights the importance of treating musical heritage as a living cultural practice rather than limiting it to institutional documentation.
It argues that long-term preservation depends on closer alignment between official cultural bodies and local communities actively engaged in music-making.
Traditional music in Oman is described as a key element of intangible cultural heritage, deeply connected to social customs and collective memory.
However, the study notes that current preservation efforts often prioritize formal archiving and presentation, driven by goals such as promoting national identity, tourism and economic development.
While these institutional approaches provide structure and visibility, they can result in rigid collections that fail to reflect the evolving nature of musical traditions. The study points out that such methods risk disconnecting heritage from the communities that sustain it.
Drawing on interviews with government officials, musicians and independent archivists, the research presents community-led initiatives as a more dynamic alternative.
These approaches focus on documenting live performances and everyday musical practices, often using digital tools and social media to capture how traditions adapt over time.
The findings suggest that integrating formal archiving with participatory, community-based efforts offers a more effective strategy for safeguarding cultural heritage.
By combining structured preservation with real-world practice, this model allows traditions to remain both protected and actively performed.
The study ultimately emphasizes that preserving traditional music requires recognizing it as an evolving cultural expression rather than a static historical record, ensuring its continuity for future generations.
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