Session Name: Sailing Against the Current: Water Communities and Geopolitical Dynamics in Historical China
3 - Be Water: Cultural Identity and Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Borderless Hong Kong Fishing Communities
Monday, July 29, 2024
11:15 - 13:00 (GMT+7)
Presentation Abstract With the advent of British colonial rule, an intangible or regulated border gradually emerged between China and Hong Kong from the 19th century onwards. This demarcation was clearly recognized by various societal groups, including merchants, laborers, and intellectuals, who established distinct cultural identities within the confines of Hong Kong's terrestrial landscape. However, the fishing communities of Hong Kong have historically operated beyond these boundaries, navigating the seas unrestricted by geopolitical borders. This unique perspective is particularly evident in their intangible cultural traditions. This study aims to delve into the intangible cultural heritage of various borderless fishing communities in Hong Kong, including those in Hau Hoi Wan in Yuen Long, Kau Lau Wan in Sai Kung, and Tai O in Lantau Island. Through an analysis and interpretation of the heritage discourses presented by these intangible cultural heritage items, this research seeks to examine the phenomenon of blurred boundaries within the fishing community. It posits that these maritime communities, active in the Asian seas, have never been constrained by local politics. Their world, therefore, extends far beyond that of their land-dwelling counterparts, encompassing a broader, more expansive realm. Concurrently, this study employs a critical approach to intangible cultural heritage research, shedding light on underexplored topics within the existing frameworks of Hong Kong studies and maritime history research.
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